SHAH ALAM – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should not bow to the demands of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi out of fear of losing the latter’s support, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said.
Loke reminded Ismail Sabri that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Putrajaya and opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) will still be in effect even if Zahid decides to pull his backing of the prime minister.
“Do not worry about (demands made by) Zahid. If Zahid withdraws his support for you (Ismail Sabri), the MoU with PH is there,” Loke said during DAP’s special national congress at the IDCC Convention Centre here today.
“You (Ismail Sabri) are the prime minister. You must act like a leader and not a party follower.”
The Seremban MP was referring to Zahid’s incessant push for Ismail Sabri – who is an Umno vice-president – to call an expedited 15th general election (GE15) this year, despite the fast-approaching monsoon season and the high possibility of floods.
Zahid had also asserted that the Barisan Nasional linchpin party is ready to wade through floods and campaign during heavy rain if GE15 coincides with the monsoon season.
Loke stressed that while PH component parties have been strengthening their preparations to face GE15, political plays should be set on the backburner as priority should be given to ensuring people are equipped to face the upcoming floods.
“We (PH) have plans underway to face GE15, whether it is in October or next year. However, we want to address flood mitigation and preparation efforts first before going into GE15,” he said.
“It is not that we are scared… we are even ready to face an election tomorrow.”
Loke also warned the prime minister that if he dissolved Parliament and held GE15 during the flood season, voters would take to the ballot boxes to “punish” such self-serving moves.
“The people will punish (Ismail Sabri and Umno) for deciding to hold GE15 while the nation struggles with floods. If the government dares to turn their backs on the people, they will be punished.
“‘Kalau jantan, bubar lah’ (If you are man enough, dissolve Parliament),” he said in jest.
Loke’s speech was greeted by cheers from the 1,175 party delegates who attended the congress today.
The congress’ main agenda today is to amend the DAP constitution to allow the party to strip the membership of any MP or state assemblyman who defies party decisions on key matters. – The Vibes, September 25, 2022
