KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged lawmakers from both sides of the divide to put aside politics of revenge.
The PKR president in a live stream on Facebook this evening said the country needs a sane leadership, and the new administration that will replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional government should not encourage policies based on vengeance.
“Hopefully, Muhyiddin, who is also my friend, will follow the reasonable path, which is to respect the constitutional principles and honourably resign.
“Allow us to take a new step and continue the administration.
“We must put an end to politics of revenge. The new administration must start with sane leadership and politics that do not encourage policies based on revenge.”
Despite the conciliatory tone of his message, the Port Dickson MP said he is insulted that Muhyiddin thought offers of benefits and remuneration – including a senior minister position – can sway his support.
“This is not about the survival of the opposition leader or MPs. I have never once asked for or mentioned anything like this.
“I never thought that it is possible during the current pandemic and economy to be offered RM40,000 to RM50,000 as a senior minister and officers.
“I cannot be swayed. This is an insult to those who are struggling to earn even RM50 to sustain their families. That is the wrong choice.
“I do not want to question his motives, but it is clear that it is a cunning attempt, and he is not sensitive at all to the woes of the people. Just because of survival, he is willing to bribe MPs.”
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Posted by Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday, August 14, 2021
Anwar also reiterated his party’s stance for Muhyiddin to step down, as the latter has publicly admitted that he has lost majority support.
“It is not reasonable for us to consider any reform that he promised. The political turmoil has gone against the constitutional principles and caused tension with the royal institution.
The current administration, in a few of its statements, has been rude to the king, he added.
“First is going against the king by not obtaining assent from His Majesty on the emergency ordinance issue.
“Secondly, (the) ministers and deputy speaker who made impolite statements and violated the ethics of Rukun Negara. They said the king does not need to have an audience with the Dewan Rakyat speaker as it is the responsibility of the prime minister.”
Muhyiddin had yesterday made a last plea to remain in power, urging opposition lawmakers to lend him support in Parliament.
In what appears to be an attempt to cling to his position amid growing talk of a loss of majority, the embattled prime minister promised to implement a slew of changes and policies.
This includes introducing a two-term limit for the head of government and an anti-hopping law, benefits and remuneration for the opposition leader equal to that of a federal senior minister, and allowing for opposition MPs in discussion of any bill, including federal budgets. – The Vibes, August 14, 2021
