KUALA LUMPUR – In the week where political opponents are showing signs of internal strife, Pakatan Harapan (PH) continues its push to reclaim Putrajaya with its ever-so-familiar mega ceramah programmes.
Its latest, held in a cul-de-sac nestled between blocks of apartments in congested Danau Kota here, witnessed some 5,000 supporters eager to get a glimpse of PKR’s top leaders.
The arrival of party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy Rafizi Ramli at the Ayuh Malaysia ceramah last night were greeted with cheers and shouts of “reformasi” as they made their way through the crowd.
It also marked the first time since campaigning officially started on November 5 that the party’s top two leaders shared the same stage.
Last night’s event followed earlier gatherings over the past week involving party leaders at several locations, which similarly attracted large crowds.
In his speech at the Danau Kota event, Rafizi made sure to acknowledge thousands who were gathered, and said this is a sign of what is possible to come on polling day.
“When we first started our preparation for the election, we never thought that two months would be sufficient to convince the rakyat that PH is the government that will help the country.
“But going by tonight’s attendance and the momentum that we have built, I will not only thump my chest, but I think Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) must be (concerned now).
“If previously during the movement control order the rakyat were forced to hoist white flags (to ask for help) – in a couple of days, it will be BN and PN’s turn to do that,” he said to rapturous cheers.
Rafizi immediately went on the offence against his political rivals, which he said are currently in a mess, a situation that has not been witnessed in recent elections.
For one, he noted how the top two Umno leaders – Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan – are even publicly squabbling over forming the new government, indicating personal greed for power.
“Never in the country’s history has Umno’s deputy president issued an open statement to the president warning the latter that he has no power to negotiate to form the government.”
This is in reference to Mohamad’s remark on Monday stating that Zahid cannot make unilateral decisions on post-election cooperation and that any decision should be negotiated in advance with him.
In the case of PN, Rafizi took note of PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement that PN and Barisan Nasional (BN) are likely to form an alliance if the two fail to secure enough numbers to form the government.
Takiyuddin was later rebuked by PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, saying the former had never been given the mandate by the coalition to discuss with other parties on forming post-election pacts.
Rafizi said this development is a clear indication that PAS is only riding on Bersatu for election funds, and that the Islamist party is expected to reconcile with Umno after the polls.
“We’ve known from the very beginning that they are using (Bersatu) to utilise the resources that Muhyiddin has. After the election, they will return to (a pact with) Umno.”
‘We must change corrupted system’
Anwar, meanwhile, focused large portions of his speech explaining the importance of voting for PH to ensure the country will be back on the right track.
“This is not just a question about changing MPs or governments, or ensuring my chances (at being prime minister).
“We must change the corrupted system where the political elites prey on the poor to benefit themselves.”
The PH chairman accused Muhyiddin and his successor Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob of being irresponsible prime ministers for sidelining the rakyat during difficult times.
Instead of addressing core issues concerning the public, he claimed that those in power were focused on enriching themselves and those around them.
He also highlighted the appointments of special envoys as well as special aides to ministers, who he said pocketed hefty salaries and allowances.
“If they are smart individuals with good economic policies to suggest, then it’s okay to pay them a bit. But they don’t even know how to do their job.”
Anwar said if he were to be given the opportunity to rule the government, he would not see it merely as a mandate, but as a responsibility to the nation to bring about positive changes that would benefit its people.
The top two leaders joined several party figures to campaign for Wangsa Maju candidate Zahir Hassan, who is seeking to defend the seat in the six-cornered fight.
Among those who stumped for him last night were Lembah Pantai incumbent Fahmi Fadzil, Setiawangsa incumbent Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and Petaling Jaya candidate Lee Chean Chung.
Zahir is facing former PKR member and Wangsa Maju MP (2008-2013) Wee Choo Keong (Warisan), BN’s Datuk Seri Mohd Shafei Abdullah, PN’s Nuridah Mohd Salleh, Pejuang’s Norzaila Arifin and independent S. Raveentheran.
In 2018, incumbent Datin Paduka Tan Yee Kew beat BN and PAS with a 24,238-vote majority. – The Vibes, November 16, 2022
