Zahid to meet 'friend' Nga over quit pledge, reminds him he is no longer opposition

 

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will meet his “friend” Nga Kor Ming over the latter’s pledge to resign as housing and local government minister if BN secures a big win in the Johor election, a move the DAP leader had claimed could pave the way for former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s release from prison.

Zahid (above) said statements on such matters should be made with greater restraint, pointing out that both BN and DAP are now part of the coalition government.

"I have no advice to offer, but such statements should be reasonable. We meet every week at cabinet meetings. We are no longer in the opposition.

"If we were in the opposition, perhaps such remarks would be appropriate. But since we are in the same government, there is no need to raise such issues. I'll meet him. He's my friend," Bernama quoted him as saying.

Zahid stressed that ties among unity government leaders at the federal level remained cordial and professional, with all parties committed to working together as a team until the administration completes its term.

"The fact is, we are in the unity government. Ministers and deputy ministers are working in a very conducive environment, and we are moving forward as one professional team," he added.

Nga Kor Ming

The remarks came after a closely watched Johor state election, where BN and Pakatan Harapan, despite being allies at the federal level, went head-to-head in several contests.

BN emerged dominant, winning 48 of the 56 state seats, an increase of eight seats compared with the 2022 state election. Harapan retained only eight seats, down from its previous tally of 12.

Tied to Najib’s possible release

Following the result, several quarters, including Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, urged Nga to step down over his earlier pledge.

Nga, who is also DAP deputy chairperson, later clarified that his statement was tied to the issue of Najib’s possible release and stressed that the integrity of the country’s judicial system must be protected.

Najib Abdul Razak

"If Najib, whose actions resulted in Malaysians having to bear RM51.4 billion in 1MDB debt, were to be released without serving a punishment commensurate with his offence despite having been found guilty, it would mean that the integrity of our judicial system had been compromised and that the principle of the rule of law, as enshrined in the Rukun Negara, was no longer being respected.

"Should such a situation arise, I would be prepared to resign as a member of the cabinet to defend the integrity of our beloved country's judicial system.

"This is not a matter of personal interest, but one of fundamental principle. I remain firmly committed to this principle," Nga said. - Mkini