Stop trying to topple govt, be good opposition instead: J-Kom DG

KUALA LUMPUR – Community Communications Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff has urged PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and his supporters to stop “dreaming” about toppling the unity government and let it continue to carry out its duty instead.

Taking his views to Facebook, Agus suggested PAS be a constructive opposition and focus on supporting the government’s efforts to enhance the Malaysia Madani concept in administering the country.

He said this in response to Hadi’s claims that his party had the right to plan to topple the government.

“My advice to the PAS president and his supporters: enough with the politics. Respect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s order,” Agus said in a Facebook post.

“If you wish to be political, wait until the 16th general election. Let the government become stable first,”

Agus added that with the enactment of the anti-hopping law, Pas’ desire to bring down the government will not be an easy feat, especially since the unity government had obtained a two-thirds majority in Parliament in December.

On March 6, Hadi had claimed to reporters that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree for a unity government is no stumbling block for such attempts to overthrow the government, calling it the opposition’s democratic right.

“We (Perikatan Nasional) are trying (to overthrow the government) not just through general elections, but also through Parliament,” he had said.

“We have a right towards such plans. No one can stop us from planning (a coup).”

Agus rebutted Hadi’s opinions that government swapping is normal, questioning whether the Marang MP’s rationale would still be applicable had Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim been the one saying it.

“Surely, PAS supporters would claim that Anwar had disobeyed the Agong’s order, disobeyed and colluded with DAP to eliminate the institution of kings, betrayed the people’s mandate, and more, to strengthen their influence,” he said.

“What is so normal about changing the government? In a democratic system, it is done through a general election. After that, all parties must cooperate to help solve the people’s issues.

“In the next election, return the mandate to the people to decide. Can’t you understand that?” he added.

Agus opined that the incumbent unity government is the best for Malaysia, as Anwar has held a vote of confidence in Parliament, built good relationships with foreign nations, and brought in big corporations to invest in the country.

He added that should the government change again, it could lead to investors withdrawing their investments.

Agus also said that the government has exceptional governance, with an emphasis on helping the people.

“The government is the best as there are no Icerd (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) and Rome Statute controversies, its leaders are not involved in bribery, have good governance, and prioritise helping the poor.

“The government is doing its best in settling the claims of the Malaysia Act 1963 with Sabah and Sarawak.

“It also emphasises unity by rejecting racial and religious extremisms, racism, disobedience to the Agong, and abusers of race and religion,” he said.

Following the statements by Hadi recently, Agus said he is thankful that Anwar prevails as the prime minister, as he “cannot imagine” the country’s well-being if the current leader is from a party that constantly thinks of toppling the unity government. – The Vibes, March 7, 2023