UNITY does not translate into uniformity: in unity, we can expect a diversity of opinions. But, tolerance of each other’s opinion is what it takes to keep democracy in this country alive, so opined Khalid Samad today.
The Amanah communications director is adamant that there are more important agendas for the unity government to focus on in view of today being the Labour Day celebrated throughout the country.
“The last thing I want to do is to respond to more allegations that attempt to break up the unity government as this will not benefit the people,” the former Titiwangsa MP told FocusM.
“The people of all races whether in West or East Malaysia are struggling to make ends meet and Datuk Seri Anwar (Ibrahim) through the unity government – of which (Datuk Seri) Zahid (Hamidi) is also part of – is working hard to eradicate poverty.”
When asked about the question posed by former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s to him, Khalid responded: “I merely said ‘let’s agree to disagree on the issue.’ While we respect their (UMNO’s) right to appeal for Najib’s pardon, please also respect our right to differ, too. Our stand does not have to be the same as yours.”
In an earlier post, UMNO supreme council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi alleged that Amanah had “insulted the Agong’s discretion”. “Amanah which is pressuring clearly questions the Agong’s wisdom,” claimed the Rengit (Johor) state assemblyman.
To this allegation, Khalid responded that – unlike UMNO – Amanah was just stating its own stand with no memorandum or signatures being collected. “So, who is pressurising the Agong?” he questioned.
He then challenged Puad to a bigger task, “Elections are over. The Agong has appointed a unity government. Let’s discuss how we can work together to help the B40 community in our midst, to see how we can create more job opportunities for them.”
Both Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub had earlier defended Khalid and humbly offering their apology if it had hurt the feelings of any UMNO leader in the spirit of the Eid.
In the latest development, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil had also detected a fake statement released by a Telegram account called ‘Edisi Siasat’ which was purportedly issued by Alor Setar PKR’s Youth Wing (AMK) to protest the presence of Deputy PM Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the 2023 Kedah Madani Gathering.
The event was staged on the eve of Saturday’s (April 29) “Madani Malaysia Aidilfirti Open House with PM” event.
Fahmi who is also PKR’s information chief said it did not take much time for him to notice that the format of the media statement was flawed. “I can only laugh it off by telling the public not to be deceived by the fake statement,” he added. – May 1, 2023
