Damage done over Johari’s Kedah MB remarks, says analyst

Kamarul Zaman Yusoff says the PKR MP's choice of words has only strengthened anti-Anwar forces.

GEORGE TOWN: A political analyst said damage was already done when a PKR leader openly said he aspired to be the Kedah menteri besar, adding that it would heighten the mistrust between Pakatan Harapan parties.

Kamarul Zaman Yusoff

Kamarul Zaman Yusoff was referring to remarks by Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul, who has since said his views on the matter were “misinterpreted”.

“As a seasoned politician, he should not be seen trying to rock the boat. Whatever plans that he or PKR have for the future, it’s better to keep them to himself or within his own party,” Kamarul told FMT.

Kamarul added that Johari’s remarks had only buoyed those trying to prevent Anwar Ibrahim, saying he had given them “one more reason to do so”.

On Sunday, Johari said he was willing to vacate his Sungai Petani parliamentary seat to pave the way for Anwar to return to politics.

Johari also said he would like to be the Kedah MB, a post held by PPBM deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir.

Johari now says that his remarks were misunderstood. He said what he meant was that Anwar as both the Sungai Petani MP and prime minister would bring more progress to his hometown.

“That is all I said … there’s no connection to the menteri besar post,” he added..

But Kamarul said the clarification was of no help.

“Despite Johari’s clarification, the mistrust between the two parties might have already worsened.”

Instead, Kamarul advised Johari on how to construct his clarification.

“Johari could have given an alternative explanation to douse the fire — like the plan for PKR to take the MB’s post is to pave the way for Kedah MB Mukhriz Mahathir to play a more prominent role at the federal level after his dad (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) retires.” -FMT