'Umno, PKR, MIC, PAS, royalty - at this rate, the people will be scared off': Reps call for Ramadan cooling-off

PETALING JAYA - Lawmakers have called for a political ceasefire, pointing out that Ramadan is the time to put aside politics and prioritise religion and the people.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hassan Malek said there was a need for political peace in order to work towards achieving Vision 2020.

“It is important for peace during Ramadan as we must always believe that God is great and to always work towards ensuing peace in the surroundings.

“Too much politicking is bad for all parties, be it the government or the opposition, as the rakyat would lose,” said the MP for Kuala Pilah.

He added that all that was straining the political scene at present must stop.

“Umno, PKR, MIC, PAS, royalty … There are so many things going on and at this rate, people are bound to get worried, so it is time to cool off, not only during Ramadan but for good,” said Hassan.

Instead of focusing on political differences, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said it was time to “prioritise the people”.

He admitted that the nation’s political scene was already strained and additional tensions would only further damage it.

“Let us take this Ramadan as an opportunity to reconcile our differences to work out a solution for the sake of a peaceful Malaysia,” said the Ayer Hitam MP.

Tanjong Karang MP Noh Omar also said people should never use a religious sanctuary to preach politics.

“People should reduce politicking and focus on religious things during this holy month, as all this negativity is not good for them,” he said.

Tanjong Piai MP Wee Jeck Seng

Adding that he understood the frustrations of the people on public needs and matters not being addressed due to political tension, he said that the Government was doing all it could to manage issues, such as the drop in the Malaysian currency.

“In this month of Ramadan, people should stop politicking over everything and focus on matters relating to the people and the nation,” said Tanjong Piai MP Wee Jeck Seng.

He said the people’s opinion should be the focus instead of politics because they were elected representatives for a reason.

“We need to start working towards harmony and unity because that is what Malaysia means.

“Instead of constantly preaching politics, perhaps we can look into fun projects and programmes to bring people together,” he said. - ANN