FORMER DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua last night (June 23) made a sudden declaration saying that Barisan Nasional (BN) is a ‘corrupt coalition’. BN is a partner in the unity government with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and other parties from Sabah and Sarawak.
The former Damansara MP made this scathing statement in a speech at the DAP Fundraising Dinner at the Petaling Jaya City Hall (MBPJ).
He also said the current coalition in power is easy to crack and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the burden of proving that his government is better than the previous BN governments.
The question that some are asking Pua is, how will Anwar prove he is better than BN when the BN Ministers are in his government?
On the other hand, he also expressed hope that PH will be able to form its government in the future without involving UMNO and BN.
Pua added that Anwar needs to prove something to the multi-racial people in this country that the PH administration is far better and not corrupt like BN.
“We can do better than what is being done by corrupt alliances such as Barisan Nasional, UMNO and Bersatu.
“That’s actually what we want to do if we have another five years from now, to show the difference. If we succeed, I am very confident that in the next four years when we have a general election, PH will receive great support from Malaysians.
“Then, we will be able to form our government and implement the reforms and changes we want under PH for the good of Malaysians. That is most important for all of us,” he noted.
Nevertheless, Transport Minister and leader of the DAP Anthony Loke Siew Fook has dismissed the statement by Pua, saying his views are not those of the party.
“Tony Pua no longer holds any position in DAP. Therefore, he spoke in an individual capacity and did not represent the party leadership at all. The speech which is an attack on the main coalition partner in the unity government is uncalled for.
“The top leadership of DAP has made a policy decision to cooperate with other political coalitions in order to achieve political stability,” said Loke.
Loke also pointed out that any provocative statement against coalition partners in the unity government is not in line with the current stance and direction of the party.
“I would like to remind all DAP leaders and members to always maintain harmony in the relationship between parties and coalitions in the unity government for the sake of political stability which is much needed at a time when the country is facing various external challenges.”
He noted that anyone in DAP who cannot keep their mouth shut on this matter is not welcome at all to speak on the DAP stage. – June 24, 2023
