THERE is nothing amiss about the government’s decision to appoint a Bersatu MP to lead the committee to tackle the issue of rising food prices and cost of living, said an UMNO leader.
According to an FMT report, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said it is the prime minister’s prerogative to appoint individuals to head specific committees.
Puad was referring to reports of Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal’s recent appointment to lead a cluster committee under the Special Meeting of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL).
“Syed Hussin has expressed support for Anwar Ibrahim. No one should feel disheartened, especially those from parties supporting the unity government. In fact, UMNO itself welcomed the Cabinet reshuffle by Anwar, which involved its (UMNO’s) ministers,” the news portal quoted Puad as saying.
“It would be good if the prime minister invites other opposition MPs to sit on this committee or other committees. Are they willing to accept it for the good of the people?”
Syed Abu Hussin is one of six Bersatu MPs who have declared their support for Anwar and the unity government in recent months.
On this matter, PKR central leadership council member Mohd Yahya Mat Sahri stressed that having an elected representative from the opposition leading the committee did not mean that government MPs cannot contribute ideas.
“Moreover, the appointment of Syed Abu Hussin was certainly made after considering various aspects, including his extensive experience in the corporate sector and that his company is listed on the stock exchange,” Yahya was quoted as saying.
“I also do not see this appointment as a reward (for supporting the PM).”
Meanwhile, PKR’s Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid opined that the Bersatu leader’s appointment is not unusual, saying he himself was appointed chairman of the workers’ caucus when Barisan Nasional (BN) helmed the federal government.
“Whether a person is from the government or the opposition, if they have experience and expertise for the benefit of the people, what’s the problem?” the former Kapar MP said.
“Anwar’s appointment of an opposition representative is wise, just as Indonesian President Joko Widodo appointed Prabowo (Subianto) as a minister, even though Prabowo was a political rival competing for the presidency. It is to ensure unity in governing the country.” – Jan 29, 2024
Main pic credit: NST
