Dubai Move: BN MPs targeted by opposition maneuvers - Ahmad Maslan
SHAH ALAM - Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs have been a target of opposition efforts to destabilise the unity government, including the recent "Dubai Move" plot, according to Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He cited the departure of 16 BN MPs since 2018, highlighting 15 Umno lawmakers joining Bersatu and one MP joining Warisan as evidence of this vulnerability.
Ahmad, who is also a member of Umno's Supreme Council, acknowledged BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's confirmation of the "Dubai Move", where PN figures allegedly contacted BN MPs.
He added that the plot's masterminds to topple the unity government realised that their efforts could only be realised through the shifting support of BN MPs, given the increasing difficulty in garnering support from the Sarawak and Sabah party blocs.
“Firstly, they (the culprits) cannot penetrate and garner support from the MPs in Sarawak and Sabah.
"So, they were targeting Umno MPs who are known for their undisciplined and disloyal history to the party post-GE14.
“That's why Umno and BN have made it a requirement for every election candidate to sign a party loyalty bond of RM100 million before receiving the appointment letter as a candidate in GE15.
“This loyalty bond is legally valid as it is stipulated under the contract law.
"Therefore, I consider "Dubai Move" to be a mere mirage that is impossible to materialise.
"All BN MPs are aware that if they switch sides, they will have to pay a fine of RM100 million to the party.
"They also understand that even if all 30 BN MPs switch support, it still does not change the position of the unity government, which currently has the support of 152 MPs,” he told Sinar, yesterday.
He said this in response to Zahid's statement confirming the existence of the "Dubai Move" movement, as previously revealed by the Department of Community Communication (J-Kom).
Commenting further, Ahmad, who is also the Deputy Works Minister, did not rule out the possibility that efforts to overthrow the government have intensified recently due to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) taking stern actions to investigate cases of power abuse and corruption involving key individuals associated with opposition leaders.
The former Umno secretary-general also urged BN MPs to resolve any differences of opinion internally within the party and the government.
"For BN MPs, if there are any decisions by the party and the government that are not agreed upon, they can all be rectified.
"I take, for example, (Beruas MP) Ngeh Koo Ham apologising openly after touching on sensitive issues regarding Islam.
"We immediately rectified such matters," he said.
Meanwhile, Jelebu MP Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias proclaimed that he did not see any benefit for any party or individual involved and the Rakyat if "Dubai Move" became a reality.
This is because the Negeri Sembilan BN chairman was confident that such efforts by the opposition, if implemented, will not be supported by the people.
"I had enough of plans orchestrated by the opposition to destabilise the government.
"I think everyone should no longer entertain such agendas because they are not beneficial to anyone.
"BN MPs, I believe, are very solid in supporting the government. The question of unity among us should no longer be in doubt," he said.
