ARAU – In the run-up to Parliament reconvening, politicians from both sides of the aisle are already offering views on what should be the focus of the august House.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, during a press briefing, told reporters that no one should table a motion of no-confidence against the government as the focus now is on battling Covid-19.
He said even if such a motion was presented, it should not be debated in Parliament.
Speaking in his capacity as Perikatan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairperson, Shahidan said many parliamentarians have decided to reject any attempt to raise such a motion in the Dewan Rakyat as the focus is on the pandemic.
“My decision is to reject any motion of no-confidence because this is not the time for a power struggle. Instead, we need to find ways to help the people who are affected by the current pandemic.”
The Arau MP, who has criticised certain leaders in Umno for threatening to leave the ruling PN coalition, urged all elected representatives to focus on unemployment and containing Covid-19.
“Infections are up to over 773,000 cases with over 5,000 deaths since it (Covid-19) began to spread in March last year.
“It has brought the country to a standstill and resulted in wartime-like recession.
“We uphold the decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who has reiterated that Parliament must be held as soon as possible, and... the government is finally following His Majesty’s advice.”
The date for the sitting will be finalised on Wednesday when the cabinet meets.
Senator Yusmadi Yusoff said PN’s inability to control the rise in Covid-19 cases is because it lacked the people’s mandate.
“It is a backdoor government, sneaking in during a political turmoil. If it won the mandate of the people, it might be different.
“Now, the people do not respect PN, and it is made worse because of their perceived inability in handling the health crisis.”
Citing data from a Stanford University study on the mitigation of Covid-19, Yusmadi said East Asian countries, including China, Taiwan and South Korea, are able to contain the virus.
He said the three reasons cited for their success include the trust that citizens have in the government to resolve the crisis, credible political leadership and effective deployment of social resources.
“All three aspects are lacking in Malaysia now.” – The Vibes, July 4, 2021
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