We do question Mahathir, insists Amanah leader

AMANAH AGM | Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad has dismissed claims that Amanah cabinet members do not dare oppose Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal for a third national car.

In the Pakatan Harapan cabinet, Khalid insisted, decisions are made only after thorough discussions are held. 

"The leadership (do ask questions) on many issues. Mahathir said that in his BN cabinet previously, whatever he said everyone would follow.

"But now in Harapan, sometimes we debate (certain issues) in the cabinet meeting for three to four hours seeking agreement," the Amanah communications director said in his wrapping-up speech at the party convention in Ipoh today.

Amanah Youth delegate Nik Abdul Razak Nik Md Ridzuan said yesterday that cabinet members from the party must dare speak out against Mahathir's "obsession" with a third national car. 

The proposal, Nik Abdul Razak (photo) said, contradicts the Harapan government's intentions to fix the country's economy and rebuild its institutions.

In his speech, Khalid reiterated that the third national car project is a private initiative and will not use federal funds.

"We have to understand that it is a private initiative, the government's funds are not used. 

"Mahathir met with Syeikh Qatari from Qatar, who wanted to invest US$400 billion (RM1.6 trillion). Want to ask him to invest in what? Batik? It has to be in an industry. Mahathir said, 'You have the money, we have the expertise.' 

"We (the leaders) have laid down the conditions, the third national car will not use the government's money, and the government already has no money," he said. - Mkini