Enough of talk, get on with the job, Musa tells govt

 

Musa Hitam says ‘the time to talk has passed’. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam has told the government the time to talk about the various issues faced by the country has passed, and it is now time to take proactive action to solve them.

Speaking at a forum titled “Resetting the Malaysian economy” organised by Parliament, Musa told Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim, a fellow panellist:

“Rais, you just took the opportunity of this panel discussion to pour out your wishes and aspirations in this particular institution of government – Parliament.

“All the things you expressed to us, especially in aspects relating to the judiciary, the law, regulations and expenditure, your wish to be separate and independent … have been talked about.

“It happens that you are the only one that is very vocal, yet you were with the prime minister recently. I hope you at least have got (his) agreement.

“Come on man, the time of looking into it should not be allowed anymore. You, the new government, you are in it now, get on with it.”

Earlier, Rais had said that for Parliament to be a separate entity, it would require an amendment to the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 and the House of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.

Musa also took a dig at economic affairs minister Rafizi Ramli, who told the panel it would take two to three years to tackle Malaysia’s economic problems.

“We understand that it is difficult, that it will take time,” he said. “But, I can assure you, Rafizi, I can assure you (that) at most, the public will give you three to six months. After that, they are not going to be polite with you.”

Rafizi, who spoke before Musa, had outlined three challenges faced by his ministry – consolidating the country’s fiscal position, broadening the revenue, and restructuring the economy.

He said while the ministry knew what the challenges were, it was difficult to get started. However, the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was “the most stable to date” and it should be able to effect changes, he added.

Musa, however, poured cold water on Rafizi’s confidence in the current administration.

“Now, a very comforting assurance by Rafizi, saying that the political situation is stable … no lah, not quite.

“(Sometimes), certain groups are with you and yet not with you. Certain individuals promise one thing or another. In the history of Malaysian politics, I can tell you, we can never be sure what is around the corner.” - FMT