PN will be a strong opposition party

SHAH ALAM - The decision of Perikatan Nasional (PN) not to join the Unity Government is the right step in the effort to become a strong opposition party.

The PN coalition consisted of Pas and Bersatu was seen as capable of acting as checks and balances in the parliamentary democratic system in this country.

Despite not becoming a part of the government, PN was now a powerful conduit for the voice of the people to the Parliament.

Its Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it was also to ensure the integrity and corruption-free government in line with the principle of being caring, clean and stable.

Muhyiddin said PN would play the role of the authoritative opposition to bring the voice of the people to the Parliament.

However, Muhyiddin insisted that PN was ready to pioneer cooperation based on the capacity of the government and the opposition.

The Bersatu president's statement was later supported by Pas through its Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan who stated the Islamic party would not join the Unity Government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and would act as a constructive opposition alongside PN.

Takiyuddin explained that Pas would continue to play the opposition role by advising all parties to ensure the country's smooth governance.

Umno Youth Chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dasuki was confident that PN could play an effective role as an opposition to check and balance the government.

Federal Territories PN Information Chief Mahathir Mohd Rais said despite being the opposition, the voice of PN supporters will not be ignored just because PN was not governing the country.

He said PN still had a chance to struggle and ensure Malaysia would continue to remain peaceful and prosperous in all aspects for future generations.