KUALA LUMPUR – The much anticipated economic debate between Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Sulaiman of PAS this evening quickly turned into a political battleground as the latter directed persistent criticism towards the unity government’s stability and priorities.
Syahir, who is also PAS assistant secretary-general, appeared to utilise the platform tonight to air his grievances with the unity administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We need national stability to be the main goal of our economic models. Currently, the situation within our country is not stable, with an unstable economy, prime minister and unfulfilled promises.
“Going from here to there in a helicopter, showing off as if he is a celebrity with no direction or legacy. It’s obvious that we need stability,” Syahir said during his opening remarks to rounds of applause from the debate’s live studio audience.
Although Syahir didn’t explicitly mention any individual, his remarks came in the wake of criticisms directed towards Anwar for his use of a government helicopter during campaign events in Kedah.
Besides that, Syahir also took aim at the Madani government’s goal of making the Malaysian economy one of the top 30 biggest economies in the world, claiming that such a target is “meaningless” if people on the ground are still facing economic hardships.
“We need stability, not (what is offered) by the Madani economic plan. Being the biggest (economy) does not mean that we are the best. What is the point if the rich continue to get richer, the poor become poorer?
“What is the point if Mak Cik Kiah and our roadside sellers continue to complain because their sales revenue and profits continue to dwindle?” he questioned.
In response to Syahir’s remarks, Rafizi, who is also PKR deputy president, jokingly said that he is still waiting for his opponent to present his ideas on the nation’s economic model.
“This was supposed to be an economic debate, not a political ceramah. It seems (Syahir) relishes this opportunity to express his long-withheld thoughts about the unity government’s progress,” he added – August 9, 2023