KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) figures have welcomed Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s decision to withdraw Muda’s support for the unity government.
Speaking to Scoop, PN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said that the move by the fledgling party is “not shocking”, as it had previously voiced its discontent over the discontinuation of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s graft trial.
“It’s not a shock to me to hear about Syed Saddiq’s decision. The DNAA (discharge not amounting to an acquittal) granted to (Zahid) was the last straw that broke the camel’s back,” he said.
Faizal, who is also Bersatu deputy president, also alleged that the Muda president is not alone in his displeasure with the unity government, following the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ decision to apply for a DNAA to be granted to the deputy prime minister.
“Seeing the condition the government is in now, I think many more of their (government) MPs want to join the opposition, but they are bound (by anti-party hopping laws),” said Faizal, who is also a former Tambun MP.
“Among government MPs and politicians, many feel that the relationship between government parties today is not sustainable as the unity government has failed to adhere to the spirit of upholding reform, justice and rule of law.
“(Zahid’s) DNAA has also caused the people to lose their respect and confidence in decisions made by the government.”
Asked whether PN will consider opening its doors to Syed Saddiq, who as Muar MP is Muda’s sole parliamentary representative, Faizal said that it is “not necessary” for the party to join PN to perform its duties in Parliament as both have “similar goals.”
“Muda has its own followers, structure and leaders at various divisions. What matters is that Syed Saddiq supports the same objectives (as PN) to defend the rule of law and ensure a government free of kleptocracy.
“We (Muda and PN) are on the same page on many issues. We can work together when it comes to playing a check-and-balance role in Parliament.”
Commenting on how Muda’s withdrawal from the administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has now caused the government to lose its parliamentary supermajority, Faizal said that the loss is a benefit to the opposition.
“Without a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the government cannot amend the constitution as it pleases. If the government wishes to make major amendments, it’s good that they now have to get the consideration of opposition MPs,” he said.
‘Syed Saddiq has more dignity than silent govt figures’
Meanwhile, PN Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari expressed his well wishes to Syed Saddiq, asserting that the former Bersatu Youth chief has “more dignity” than other government MPs.
“I congratulate Syed Saddiq for proving that his principles are not just mere talk. He has more dignity than certain government figures who are silent now, but used to champion reforms,” Fadhli, who is also Pasir Mas MP, told Scoop.
The PAS Youth chief added that any decision on whether Muda will be welcomed to join PN will have to be discussed by the coalition’s top leaders.
“Personally, I am of the opinion that there is no problem with Muda joining PN if they are interested.”
Earlier today, Syed Saddiq confirmed that he has submitted a letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul regarding his withdrawal from the government bench, with the lower House scheduled to convene for a special six-day sitting tomorrow.
Syed Saddiq also said that the move is a sign of protest towards the DNAA granted to Zahid, who was facing 47 charges – 12 of them for breach of trust, eight charges of corruption, and 27 charges of money laundering, involving tens of millions of ringgit in funds belonging to his charity organisation, Yayasan Akalbudi.
On Friday, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said that former attorney-general Tan Sri Idrus Harun decided to submit an application for Zahid’s DNAA after reviewing the Barisan Nasional chairman’s representation letter.
Anwar added that if he were given a choice in the matter, he would have preferred for the application to be submitted at a later time, considering the then upcoming by-elections for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats.
DAP had subsequently called on Idrus to provide a public explanation as to why the prosecution had applied for the DNAA, with party secretary-general Anthony Loke saying that clarity on the matter will serve to maintain public confidence in the country’s legal system. – September 10, 2023