MALAYSIAN politicians should look into forming a strong and stable Government after the next general election to ensure the people’s welfare are taken care of, instead of indulging in politicking all the time.
“For that to happen, political parties like Umno should keep its doors open to any sort of collaboration. If we keep saying no DAP and no PKR, where will it lead us and the country?” asked Umno veteran, Dr Khir Toyo when contacted by FocusM.
During the recently concluded Umno annual general assembly, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reiterated that he would not support any ties with PKR, DAP and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
“I must stress on our stand come the 15th General Election. As the supreme council has decided, no Bersatu, no Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and no DAP.
“We will not hold any discussions with the said parties, officially or otherwise. Umno will contest under the Barisan Nasional (BN) flag,” the Bagan Datuk MP was reported saying.
Touching on the matter, Khir reminded political parties that in present times, no single party can win a handsome majority during polls to form the Government.
While he respects Umno’s decision to go solo, the former Selangor Menteri Besar asked whether voters would be ready to put up with a weak Government for another five years.
“Look, our people are suffering and the economy is nosediving. Our debt to gross domestic product (GDP) has exceeded the statutory limit.
“So, we need a strong and stable Government to steer us out of this mess and you can’t do that with people jumping here and there,” Khir added, referring to those defecting from one party to another.
Azmin being nonsensical
Offering solutions, Khir said it was best if political parties could form a coalition and announce it to the public before the next general election is called.
“Let voters know about this new collaboration and how serious we are on tackling national problems. If you want to form a new coalition after the polls, be clear about it as well.
“But please keep an open mind. If working with DAP and PKR will allow us to form a strong and stable Government, then why not?
“Just stop all these politicking. Everybody is affected by this, not only the Malays. However, calling for polls now without a clear direction on how to form a stable Government, in my view, is irresponsible,” said the former Umno supreme council member.
Meanwhile, Khir took a swipe at Senior Minister (International Trade and Industries) Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali for saying that Malaysia was losing out on foreign direct investments (FDI) as the Government was being “selective” about it.
“Azmin is just lying. If not, ask him to list out names of companies that are coming into Malaysia and those leaving. The truth is we’re losing key FDIs to our neighbours like Vietnam and Indonesia,” he stated. – March 29, 2021
