Guan Eng: Take action against those trying to dislodge Harapan parties

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng today said action must be taken against those who try to oust any of the five parties in the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition.

Lim said all quarters should respect the mandate given to the five parties, comprising the four Harapan components and Sabah-based ally Warisan, to govern.

"Action must be taken against anyone who seeks to remove by illegal or illegitimate means any of these five parties running Malaysia, as (it is) a betrayal of democracy as well as the clear and unequivocal mandate of the rakyat," he said in a statement today.

On Wednesday, DAP said it will refer its Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Ronnie Liu to the party's disciplinary board after he suggested that Harapan could continue to govern without Bersatu if the latter's chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad tried to form a new coalition.

The comment came amid speculation that Umno's Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein, in cooperation with certain factions in PKR and Bersatu, was trying to win over MPs to form a new government without DAP and Amanah, while simultaneously thwarting the transition of power to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Hishammuddin has denied the claim.

Lim, in his statement, conceded that the transition issue has affected the country's governance.

"The question of political transition has spilt over from the political arena to the economic and financial realm.

"DAP reiterates Harapan's full support for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the prime minister as well as...Harapan's transition plan of Anwar Ibrahim as the next prime minister.

"Let there be certainty, clarity and consistency in both political and economic policies to build public confidence and overcome the trust deficit," he said.

Lim, in the Deepavali message, also emphasised the need for Harapan to deliver on its promises.

"Whilst the rakyat understands that the excesses of the previous administration cannot be overcome within a short time, strenuous and sincere efforts must be seen towards fulfilling them with reforms such as ending detention without trial.

"DAP maintains that oppressive laws like Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 should be abolished as promised in the Harapan general election manifesto and would continue to work towards them in Harapan,” he said.

"Malaysians must not underestimate the threats posed by those who wish to disrupt national unity with extremist and racist statements.

"We must remain vigilant against those who openly wish to replace the Harapan by undemocratic means or by those in the 'deep state' who undermine the administration and cohesiveness of Harapan," Lim added. - Mkini