PM running a one-man show, no coordination in unity government – Pendang MP
TASNIM LOKMAN HANI SHAMIRA SHAHRUDIN
KUALA LUMPUR – As Malaysia marks its one year of being under a unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, an opposition Member of Parliament points out that contrary to its name, there is "no unity in the current government".
When asked to comment on the government’s first annive rsary, Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim said that there was no unity not just with the opposition but also between those in the government.
“There are few parties (in the government), but there is no coordination. One significant example is even after a few months the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub passed away, there is still no replacement until now.
“It shows that there is a competition for the position among the parties in the government, whereby everyone believes they have the right to hold the ministerial position.
“That is the closest example I can give. Other than that, behind the scenes, we can see many other issues such as DAP having its own principle while PKR having its own principle,” he said in a recent interview with Sinar Daily.
Today, 142 days later after Salahuddin's death, the portfolio has finally been passed on to Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, previously Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions).
Awang also highlighted the change in DAP's discourse, where previously the party would openly criticise Umno but now remains mum and could simply accept the wrongdoings of the Malay party such as their corruption or abuse of power cases they were involved in.
“Before this in the parliament they (DAP) have actively condemned Umno, calling the leaders who are involved in corruption cases as robbers especially on 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) issues which was constantly raised during Najib's (former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak) time but right now just because they want power they just forget it.
“Where is the integrity? This is the difference between Syed Saddiq (Syed Abdul Rahman, Muar MP) and DAP leaders as well as PKR and Amanah who are in the coalition.
“They can forget the wrongdoings during Umno's leaderships once they cooperate,” he said.
When asked if he believed that Umno was taking advantage of DAP, Awang said that everybody takes advantage of everyone to get the power to manage the country.
However, he said that the most important thing was for politicians to join forces to manage the country but becomes a problem once to gain power. He claims many politicians, once they hold power in office, their ability to tell right from wrong would go down the drain.
Awang said the post-15th General Election coalition faced a problem because they did not have an arrangement prior to the election.
“For example in BN, they have MCA and MIC that will conduct meetings before GE, and they are tied to standard operating procedures agreed upon in the meetings with BN supreme council but in the current government there is no procedure before GE. Up until now, there is none.
“Now is worse, if previously there was no WhatsApp group during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad second reign as Prime Minister, up to the point that he said something while the minister saying something else. It is the same now but for me right now the ministers are not competent.
"They do not support Prime Minister, it seems like the PM is running a one-man show,” he said adding that this effect the accessibility and reliability factors which among the important thing as it can influence the country's economy rate.
Awang's comments here was said prior to today's Cabine reshuffle or could better be described as Cabinet adjustments and expansions.
