KUALA LUMPUR – The national convention today is not merely a platform to justify the formation of the unity government, but signals an end to the years-long political animosity between member parties, said Adam Adli Abdul Halim.
The PKR Youth chief said the programme, attended by leaders and members of parties that make up the federal administration, serves as a turning point that demonstrates the unity that exists between partners.
“This is our common effort to build this country together,” he said during a dialogue session comprising government youth leaders, here, today.
“This time, we put a full stop to the dozens of years of political enmity between us, god willing.”
Adam Adli, however, acknowledged that such efforts are not as simple, due to the differences in ideology.
In this regard, he said the respective leaders of the youth wings of parties play a crucial role in managing these differences by expressing their commitment to the unity government, for the sake of the public.
“It’s pointless if we congregate today merely to legitimise our position without thinking about the rakyat.”
Adam Adli, who is deputy youth and sports minister, said it is particularly vital for the component parties of the unity government to take a leap to address issues faced by Malaysians today.
He added that today’s convention proves that member parties acknowledge the necessity to be together in order to put an end to political instability and the economic crisis that has plagued the country in recent years.
Puteri Umno head Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi said while government leaders understand the need for cooperation between parties to ensure stability and prosperity, it is also pertinent that this be translated to common citizens.
“Some say those at the top may understand (this concept), but those on the ground don’t. It is our duty to make them understand.
Meanwhile, Amanah Youth chief Senator Mohd Hasbi Muda said the reason for the unlikely bedfellows in the unity government comprising parties that used to be political rivals is due to one common enemy – Perikatan Nasional.
He noted how the opposition coalition often resorted to extreme politicking by choosing to be populist, at the expense of the rakyat.
“For example, the issue of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). They don’t care if the rakyat doesn’t have any money left for retirement. To them, they just want to be popular.”
Apart from this, Hasbi said the government also today faces a coalition that would play up racial issues for the sake of political mileage.
“They don’t care if their cabinet is made up of just a single race, they don’t care if they don’t have Sabah and Sarawak representations.”
He added that while those in the government occasionally slip up, they would always promote unity. – The Vibes, May 14, 2023
