GEORGE TOWN – The clobbering of the opposition in the Sarawak polls shows that the people are fed up with intense politicking and have opted to return the mandate to political parties they had trusted in the past, observed Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Zahidi Zainul Abidin.
It may be the new normal, but it is status quo for Barisan Nasional (BN), said Zahidi, who is also deputy communications and multimedia minister.
Referring to GPS’ resounding triumph in Sarawak with opposition parties only taking two seats (courtesy of DAP), Zahidi noted that the win comes on the heels of another landslide victory by BN in the Melaka polls last month.
“Both states were captured with overwhelming majorities.
“People are disillusioned with having too many political parties in the country with all kinds of politicians who only talk but do not deliver.
“I think we may see the return of the two-third majority which BN used to enjoy. Previously, GPS was part of BN and they are still with us.
“Our victory is based on our track record but also because the opposition is just too focused on politics rather than serving,” said Zahidi after opening the Peranakan Jawi exhibition and walkabout at the E&O Hotel and UOB building here.
The 10-day event organised by Joe Sidek Productions has several programmes to showcase the rich Baba and Nyonya culture and traditions, which is prevalent in Straits states such as Penang, Melaka, and Singapore.
Zahidi also said that BN should respect the “peace” agreement brokered with Pakatan Harapan that there would not be any general election until July next year.
“We must be gentlemen about it, otherwise, what would people think of us. We must be honourable. The agreement was crucial and supported by the people.”
The agreement signed earlier this year called for an indirect political truce so both the government of the day and the opposition can focus on tackling the pandemic and restoring economic normalcy in the country.
But since the victories secured by BN in Melaka and GPS in Sarawak, certain quarters are calling for an early 15th general election to ride the momentum generated by the coalitions in the two states.
On this matter, Zahidi said that a national election can wait as the government needs time to address the challenges from the pandemic and to rebuild the economy. – The Vibes, December 19, 2021
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