Ramasamy Wants Dr Mahathir Out Fast

“Amanah and PPBM have lost their Malay support. PKR is terribly divided. The non-Malays, particularly the Chinese, are deserting DAP.”

(FMT) – DAP’s P Ramasamy has called for a speedy resolution to the handover of power from Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Anwar Ibrahim, warning that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will otherwise continue to suffer following the latest in its string of by-election defeats in Tanjung Piai last month.

In a statement, he said PH’s inability to resolve the transition issue had given the impression of “powerful vested interests” who want Mahathir to complete the full term as prime minister.

“The inconsistency on the power transition seems to have deleterious effects on PH as a whole,” he added.

“Amanah and PPBM have lost their Malay support. PKR is terribly divided. The non-Malays, particularly the Chinese, are deserting DAP.

“Whether PH can survive to win the next general election seems to depend on the succession matter.”

PH was soundly defeated in the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 16, losing to Barisan Nasional by over 15,000 votes.

The coalition has lost four of the nine by-elections held since it swept to power in the May 9 polls last year.

Ramasamy, who is Penang deputy chief minister II, said the “collateral damage” to the coalition could not be averted by holding post-mortems on PH’s defeat in Tanjung Piai or improving the performance of ministers and leaders.

“The longer the succession matter is dragged out without any resolution in sight, the longer PH is going to suffer.

“The leaders of PH component parties should not be in a state of delusion, as if it is only a matter of time before they win back the hearts and minds of the people.

“Procrastination or delay, it is not going to be a problem with Mahathir. It is going to cost PH a crucial win in the next general election.”