Amanah leaders ready to take up the mantle
SHAH ALAM - Despite the sad loss of a comrade in the party's struggle, two Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) MPs are prepared to fill in the vacancy left by the late Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub if given the mandate by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan said he and all Amanah members were still gieving the loss of the Amanah deputy president who was like a brother, a friend, a leader and teacher to them.
However, the need to continue the leadership legacy of the late minister was pressing as the people were longing for various government efforts involving on the cost of living and the price of goods.
"If a mandate was given to the party and it receives the blessings of the Prime Minister, I'm prepared to shoulder the responsibility despite the ministry's heavy portfolio and the daunting task ahead," he told Sinar Premium on Tuesday.
Sany added that the individual who would shoulder the responsibility in the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry must face the challenges and continue the legacy and excellence left by the late Salahuddin.
"As you have been informed, Salahuddin brought the ministry towards a higher level with several Rahmah initiatives that show effectiveness in the eyes of the people.
"Those shouldering the post would bear a heavy responsibility because it would require an individual with high commitment to work, is diligent and hard-working," he explained.
Sany was responding to speculations that his name was mentioned as Salahuddin's replacement and explained that the commitment, determination and willingness to implement work programmes to aid the public represented an important indicator to the qualifications of one to become a minister.
"I don't know of such rumours. However, with the experience of having two terms as a representative, InsyaAllah I will be able to shoulder the heavy responsibility.
"There are some who became an MP was given the opportunity to become a minister or deputy minister. What's important is the desire to work and ensure the continuity of public welfare was kept," he said.
Other than Sany, other names rumoured to replace the late Salahuddin were Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof, Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan and Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The late Salahuddin who was the Pulai MP for two terms had died at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB), Kedah on Sunday due to brain haemorrhage.
Aminolhuda who was the Sri Gading MP said he guaranteed he would not waste the trust given by the Prime Minister if he was chosen to lead the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
"I am saddened by the loss of my friend in the party struggle. However, I will continue the cause founded by the late Salahuddin if given the trust and mandate of the Prime Minister.
"I will ensure the struggles in aiding the lower income group (B40) and those in poverty in Malaysia towards dealing with the rising cost of living issue will continue to be implemented.
Aminolhuda who also fought for the Payung Rahmah Programme with Salahuddin said the programme will continue even though the main pillar has gone.
"If we see from an early planning standpoint, the Rahmah initiative does not only involve food, but it was planned to be expanded to several aspects such as insurance offers, banks and flight fares.
"That's why this programme must be continued and as a leader in Amanah, I would always take note of its development," he said.
