DAP leader defends PD Move, it’s part of the transition plan

While some have voiced their opposition to the upcoming Port Dickson by-election, DAP political education director Liew Chin Tong said that the move was necessary to bring stability within the ruling Pakatan Harapan government.

In an interview with Malaysiakini yesterday, Liew said Pakatan Harapan had agreed that Anwar Ibrahim would succeed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and therefore securing the heir apparent's seat in Parliament would help quell uncertainty.

He stressed that a key component which led to Harapan's electoral success at the May 9 general elections was Mahathir and Anwar's decision to work together and forge a united opposition and the duo must do the same now that they are part of the new government.

"I support Anwar's decision to contest in the by-election. Hopefully, more people will support him. I hope Anwar’s participation will stabilise the entire political scenario.

"When the prime minister succession plan between Mahathir and Anwar is firm, it will stabilise the government," said Liew, who is also the deputy defence minister.

Liew said critics must remember that Anwar could not participate in the May 9 elections because he was imprisoned on trumped-up charges.

Now that he has been granted a full pardon, he must be allowed to take his rightful place in Parliament again.

"If Anwar could return to Parliament, the cooperation between Mahathir and Anwar is sealed, and it will play an important role in stabilising the nation."

Potential power vacuum

Liew said that the thought of a potential power vacuum was not good for the country and sorting out the details on the transition was always better done sooner than later.

"Certainty helps us focus on reforming institutions, the economy and the second round of nation-building," he said.

PKR triggered the Port Dickson by-election on Wednesday following the resignation of Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, who stated that his reason for resigning was to force a by-election for Anwar to contest.

The move was heavily criticised by netizens and civil society groups, arguing that it was unnecessary and would be a waste of public resources.

Anwar has justified the move on grounds that he must get back to the legislature soon to help work on parliamentary reforms and assist Mahathir. - Mkini