Too late for opposition to unite against BN, says Umno veteran

GEORGE TOWN – It is too late for non-Barisan Nasional parties to come together to oppose the ruling federal coalition, as there is just too much bad blood now among them.

In saying so, veteran Umno politician Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff highlighted a heartfelt plea made by Kelantan Pakatan Harapan elections director Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, saying that it is poignant and points to a more effective two-party system for the country.

However, Yussof doubts that such a proposal would ever materialise.

Rahim had earlier called on all non-BN parties to come together in some form to counter the increasing political inroads being made by the ruling coalition. 

He cited the two-thirds majority secured by BN in Melaka, Sarawak, and now Johor as an indication that nobody has a chance against the might of BN, unless they change their attitudes and come together to oppose the country’s oldest coalition.

Despite what the detractors may say, Yussof said the fact remains that Malaysia is a relatively small nation, and that its political representation must be reflective of the country’s population base, even though there is now a record number of parties vying for support. 

“It is like trying to put square pegs in round holes. It is disheartening, but I think it is a process the country needs to undergo.”

Yussof predicted that after the outcome of the Johor election, more parties and independent candidates would emerge, as politicians have lost their way in the country.

“They just want power, positions, and wealth, rather than the nobility behind going into politics, which is to serve and to make sacrifices,” said Yussof, who is also the president of the Penang Malays Association.

The 92-year-old, who had served as the late former Penang chief minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu’s political secretary, said that politics nowadays is becoming more toxic rather than complimentary, and it has come to harm the social fabric of the country.

“I think politics is constant. But what I am worried about is that it polarises the country to an extent that there are concerns among our diverse groups about whether we can close ranks and move forward as a united nation. 

“We need everyone in nation building.”

To change the country’s fortunes, he said, there must be an investment in doing so not just from one segment, but by all communities. – The Vibes, March 14, 2022