THE “Dubai Move” to topple the unity government had failed to achieve its goal and is nothing but a “waste of time”, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (Jan 2) the deputy prime minister revealed that he was informed about the “Dubai Move” as early as their flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“We received intelligence reports, but we must maintain ‘husnuzon’ (positive assumptions) in situations like this,” the Bagan Datuk MP remarked.
“Following subsequent information, we believe that the meeting was a waste of time.
“The crucial factor here is when the people entrust parties to lend support to the elected members of parliament, yet the unity government boasts support exceeding a two-thirds majority.”
The Barisan Nasional chairman if the individuals involved intend to topple the government, they must wait until the 16th General Election to do so, although he had refrained from disclosing the names of those involved in the said move.
Zahid highlighted that any decision made must comply with the anti-party hopping act and required a significant decision from the party, not solely based on sworn statements.
“As they are well aware, it requires a significant decision from the party, and it involves a decision in an en bloc,” he noted.
“God willing, the current government will prioritise strengthening the economy, assisting the people, and continuing to demonstrate the stability of the country under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the Prime Minister.”
When questioned about the motive behind Community Communications Department (J-KOM) deputy director (community communications) Datuk Ismail Yusop revealing the move, Zahid merely said, “Ask him (Ismail).”
On Saturday (Dec 30) Ismail claimed that the plot to topple Anwar’s unity government was organised by Perikatan Nasional leaders and government backbenchers who are vacationing in the UAE.
Ismail alleged that this came about following a visit to Dubai by the MPs, adding that “agents” were actively trying to convince people that by 2024 the Anwar-led unity government would collapse completely with a specified date and deadline.
Prior to that, messages about a closed-door meeting involving Perikatan Nasional MPs and two Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs in Dubai went viral on social media.
Several UMNO leaders had since rubbished the alleged move, as had PN. – Jan 2, 2024
Main pic credit: Bernama
