A DAP leader has accused Perikatan Nasional (PN) of being “increasingly desperate” in its efforts to entice UMNO representatives to join the coalition.
DAP secretary-general Antony Loke Siew Fook said the action also demonstrated the coalition’s desire to undermine the country’s stability, which had been achieved through the unity government.
“Indeed, this demonstrates their desperation; they never give up trying to break the rules and undermine political stability.
“What we have now is actually quite good; the government is in place, and the government is capable of fulfilling its responsibilities and duties. Therefore, [PN’s efforts] are extremely inconsiderate,” Loke was quoted as saying by Berita Harian after campaigning in Chukai, Kemaman last night (Nov 23).
On Wednesday (Nov 22), PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang revealed that PN is attempting to woo UMNO representatives to be part of the coalition as not all UMNO leaders are backing Barisan Nasional’s (BN) alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH) under the unity government banner.
He said that the nomination of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar in the Kemaman by-election is preparation for PN to take over Putrajaya.
“This by-election is not only about Kemaman alone…although it is known as the Kemaman by-election, but it is largely for the entire country generally. This is to defend the Malay seats in PN.
“We are in the midst of persuading UMNO as not everyone in UMNO supports PH and convincing other parties to form an alliance with PN. Victory in Kemaman is vital,” he said during the Ceramah Perdana at Dewan Sivik Kijal, Kemaman on Wednesday night (Nov 22).
Meanwhile, Loke, who is also the Seremban MP, said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s decree to all parties to ensure a stable government was also ignored by PAS.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has repeatedly told us to make sure that the government is stable, that there are no more political chaos and that we should instead focus on developing the country.
“But these politicians will not give up in their efforts to take over the federal government. Can’t they wait until the next general election?” Loke said.
Loke also said PN leader’s constant harping on the issue of the cooperation between BN and DAP shows that they are running out of things to say.
“The fact is that BN and DAP leaders and supporters have no problem working together, including to make sure the campaign is a success to ensure the victory of the BN candidate in the Kemaman by-election.”
Loke, who is also the Transport Minister, said the issue should not be capitalised on as voters are now wise enough to judge what is best for them.
The manifestation, he said, was when the BN candidate won 98 percent of the votes cast by the Chinese community in the recent Pelangai by-election.
The Chennah assemblyman also is confident that the Chinese voters in Kemaman will give their support to the BN candidate, General (R) Tan Sri Raja Affandi Raja Noor, a retired army general on voting day.
“The most challenging thing is the turnout. If they (Chinese voters) come out, I’m sure they will vote for the BN candidate,” he said.
Raja Affandi will face PN’s candidate Ahmad Samsuri, who is also Terengganu MB in a straight fight in the Dec 2 by-election.
The by-election was called following Terengganu Election Court’s annulment of the victory of PAS candidate Che Alias Hamid in the 15th General Election (GE15) last year.
This is after Judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis said the petitioner, voter Wan Mohamad Hisham Wan Abdul Jalil, succeeded in proving that corruption had taken place with the aim of influencing voters during GE15. – Nov 24, 2023
Main pic credit: The Merdeka Times
