KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob needs to show courage in managing his government instead of being “held hostage” by certain parties, opposition lawmaker Mohamad Sabu (Kota Raja-PH) said.
During the debate on the Supply Bill (2022) in the Dewan Rakyat today, Mohamad Sabu, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said Ismail Sabri should be brave in his actions now that he has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakatan Harapan.
He added that the MoU essentially means that the prime minister can remain in power until the next general election.
“Don’t be namby-pamby (spineless). You won’t lose your position until the next general election. Take actions on former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador’s previous claim of corruption among politicians.
“Don’t be held hostage and controlled by certain people.”
Mat Sabu also slammed Ismail Sabri for keeping mum on the upcoming Melaka election.
“He has not announced anything until now. If you want to have a state election, what are the SOPs? What we have now is ministers, one after one another, making announcements.
“We signed the MoU so that the prime minister can stay in power until the next general election. We see that the prime minister is not brave enough to do anything to save Malaysia.”
On October 18, the Election Commission (EC) set November 20 as polling day for the Melaka vote and November 8 for nomination, giving parties 12 days to campaign.
EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh said early voters can cast their ballots on November 16.
The electoral body is expecting a turnout of around 70% of the more than 295,000 registered voters, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
On October 24, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had said no physical activities related to elections are allowed between October 25 and November 27.
“The ministry predicts many assemblies and social gatherings related to the election will be held, involving many individuals engaged in mass gatherings nationwide,” Khairy said in a statement. – The Vibes, November 3, 2021
