Stop 'friendly fire', Bersatu Youth leader tells Nik Nazmi lobby

Pakatan Harapan members have been told to stop publicly disputing one another, such as that shown by the lobbying for ministerial posts.

Bersatu Youth exco member Muzzammil Ismail said “friendly fire” such as that seen over the petition for PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to be given a cabinet post was making the coalition look bad.

“This kind of petition or statement is an inappropriate move, and as partners in government of the day we need to refrain from doing this in future.

“We have internal negotiation meetings, so why demand publicly and show an ominous sign of confrontation?” said Muzzammil in a statement today.

“No more unnecessary friendly fire. We are not against anyone, but 'some of them' have to stop from now on, from making useless statement that can make people misunderstand our new government's decisions and co-operation.

“This should be settled in professional and mature ways,” he said.

Yesterday it was reported some 96 Harapan youth leaders have submitted a petition to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail urging for Nik Nazmi to be given a cabinet post.

Among the signatories were reportedly Bersatu leaders.

Muzzammil believed Harapan had “long way to go” before the component parties could understand and read one another.

“Be smart and look smart in front of people,” he said.

Muzzammil, who handles Bersatu Youth's international affairs and special task bureau, said while a “free and fearless media” was a necessary component for checks and balances, Harapan should be wary of letting the media give their opponents ammunition to put down a good government.

“This is our main fundamental problem, which would spell disaster (if we play into our) opponents' psychological warfare.

“What we worry is maybe there is hidden intentions,” he warned.

Everyone's right to voice

In a separate statement, Bersatu Youth information chief Ulya Aqamah Husamudin took a more positive view of the petition, saying it was a good sign of openness.

He said the opinions of the individual should be valued and said the petition reflected a new openness.

“Responding to the spirit of openness in the new Malaysia, Bersatu Youth celebrates the views of all quarters and feels every individual has a right to voice his or her aspirations and choices.

“Let this democratic practice be a good example for the people of Malaysia,” said the Youth leader, who is also Bersatu supreme council member.

Ulya however said those from his party who had signed the petition had done so on their personal capacity, and did not represent the official position of Bersatu Youth, who would support the leadership's final decision.

“We will continue to give support and assistance to whomever is given the mandate by the prime minister.

“We do not have a position on the petition,” he said. -Mkini