KOTA BARU – The current “politics of vengeance” do not serve any good and Perikatan Nasional (PN) should consider working with opposition bloc Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the next general election if the current government does not change how it governs, said a senior Gerakan member.
Kelantan Gerakan election director Ong Khang Woon told The Vibes that PN should explore working with PH for the sake of the country, especially if the Barisan Nasional-led (BN) federal government does not champion social justice, improve governance, and work towards economic recovery.
Ong Khang Woon said that after the Melaka polls, it is clear that the country is too small for three coalitions.
“Now, we have politics of vengeance rather than politics for the country. When politicians only think about themselves, the consequences will be grave.
We should give the voters a clear choice. Do not allow them to become muddled and in the end, make the country suffer from unnecessary moves to show who is more ‘manly’, compromising the country’s interests in the process.”
To him, Gerakan’s push for staying in the political fight is about serving the country rather than seeking for positions, wealth or power.
“Our detractors may scoff at us, but Gerakan’s place in history is secured after what the party did for Penang and after it became a voice of conscience in any political group it is in.
“Despite losing deposits and being branded as an afterthought, Gerakan remains active in trying to push across its brand of social justice, multi-ethnicity, and moderation because the bedrock of the country was built on such principles.”
Gerakan lost all five seats it contested in Melaka, and two of its candidates lost their deposits – a far cry from two decades ago when it was the darling of Penang.
Ong is now asking for the PN leadership to drop their egos and consider working with PH if BN continues to pursue a policy of “hatred and extremism”.
He added that Kedah PAS’ move to ban legalised gaming outlets, tighten the sales of alcohol, and try to reclaim Penang is simply political manoeuvring as history has shown it to be unsustainable.
“It is like in Kelantan. PAS in reality can govern comfortably here because there is mutual respect between the diverse communities in the state. When we lose revenue from taxation, we must find ways to find alternatives. What are the options?
“PAS has a right to vouch for its political beliefs but at the same time, it must comprehend that for now, the country comprises diverse communities.”
PN comprises Bersatu, PAS, Sabah Star, Sabah Progressive Party and Gerakan. – The Vibes, November 25, 2021
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