'Dr M's appointment as SG4 advisor not a sign of him becoming PN de facto leader'

SHAH ALAM - Although Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been appointed as an unofficial advisor to the four state governments administered by Perikatan Nasional (PN) or state-government four (SG4), it does not mean that the former Prime Minister is going to be the de facto leader (advisor) of the opposition coalition.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said that it is not wrong for PN to appoint the former Bersatu chairman and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) as an advisor to SG4 as long as it benefits the people.

Ahmad Faizal believes that Dr Mahathir's experience and his relationships with foreign investors can help advance the economy and expedite the development process in the involved states.

"Dr Mahathir is also the founder of Bersatu, so what's wrong if he sits with us on various issues today?

“In fact, PN's decision to appoint Dr Mahathir as an advisor is based on the foundation of advancing the four states administered by PN.

"We not only welcome Dr Mahathir's contributions but also the Bersatu president and former Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, as well as former cabinet ministers from PN who consistently provide ideas to continue advancing the economy and promoting development in these states," he told Sinar.

Ahmad Faizal also slammed several Umno leaders, including former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi for claiming that Pas had abandoned Bersatu and Muhyiddin in the issue of Dr Mahathir's appointment as an unofficial advisor to the SG4 state governments.

Ahmad Faizal pointed out that Umno leaders intentionally raised this issue to create discord between Pas and Bersatu.

"Why does Umno want to interfere in the affairs of Bersatu and PN? Why does Umno wish to be provocative in pitting Bersatu and Pas against each other?

“The relationship between Pas, Bersatu, and Gerakan within the PN government in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis is excellent.

"We have no problems and always welcome all ideas and suggestions to provide the best service to the people in the four states administered by PN now," he said.