KOTA KINABALU – Instead of trying to “blackmail” the prime minister, Perikatan Nasional partners should be strengthening the government in a time of economic unease, said Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan in a veiled reference to Umno.
“I am concerned that such actions will invite opportunists to disrupt the functioning of the government, just like what PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is doing,” said the Sabah Star president.
“At a time like this, when we are facing Covid-19 and an economic crisis, why should we add the problem of political instability to the mix?
“When is it ever going to end? I think they should help to strengthen the government rather than weaken it.”
On Pejuang’s move to nominate its founder, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as prime minister, Jeffrey said there is “nothing wrong” with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin holding the post.
“If they’re saying Muhyiddin does not command the majority of MPs, what makes them think Dr Mahathir does? He has only five MPs,” he said, referring to the number of lawmakers in Pejuang.
He said the no-confidence motion against Muhyiddin is a waste of time as there is no guarantee that a new prime minister will last long in the post.
Continued politicking may result in a state of emergency being declared to allow efforts to be refocused on combating the coronavirus, he warned. – The Vibes, October 20, 2020
