Amanah fires salvo at Gobind

AMANAH AGM | In the event of a cabinet reshuffle, Amanah delegates today made an open call for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to remove Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

Sarawak delegate Andri Zulkarnaen (photo) said the call was made as Gobind has allegedly failed to help promote testimonies of the Pakatan Harapan government after 19 months in power.

"We must reshuffle the existing leadership by replacing ministers who fail to perform," said Andri in his debate over party president Mohamad Sabu's policy speech.

"Among ministers who should be replaced is the communications minister. Why? Because he has failed to promote the government's successes in fulfilling their election manifesto.  

"...(Gobind) has also failed to defend the government from attacks by our enemies," he said, adding there were also several other ministers who have been criticised for failing to carry out their duties, allegedly. 

Andri further claimed that mainstream media, in general, has also failed in their purported roles to defend the government.

"After 19 months of Harapan in power, we continue to be accused of telling lies and breaking promises; faced with relentless attacks in the form of slander and falsehoods which ultimately confused the rakyat," said Andri to delegates at the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam today.

Selangor delegate Ishak Ismail, meanwhile, noted that Harapan's failure lies more in communicating its successes to the people.

He further suggested that Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar, currently the deputy human resources minister, to be marked and promoted as Gobind's replacement.

"Eight states had mentioned (in their debates) about communication problems which must be improved at all levels," Ishak said.

"Even though we don't control the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, our 'hands' in cabinet is crucial. If I may suggest, with the calibre of Mahfuz Omar, in terms of communication, I think he's a champion, he has the right character," he added.

As part of efforts to improve Amanah's communication channels, delegates also called for the party to strengthen functions of its own internal media outlets, as well as an increased presence on social media.

'More parliamentary seats needed'

Meanwhile, an Amanah Youth delegate said more than just communication was needed in anticipation of more than 20 million first-time voters by 2023.

Amanah Youth deputy chief Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin said more parliamentary and state assembly seats should be created to better serve the growing number of voters, a result of a lowered voting age from 21 to 18.

"I give my guarantee that Amanah Youth will do our best to engage with first-time voters but that is not enough," said Shazni, adding the situation will be more pressing in rural constituencies.

"There is a need to create new parliamentary seats to improve efficiency in reaching out to the people." 

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu in his policy speech yesterday highlighted a list of achievements by five ministries held by Amanah, which had allegedly gone under-reported. 

At a press conference later, Mohamad Sabu described criticisms from delegates towards the government as a normal affair.

Amanah Communications director Khalid Samad similarly said the party encourages criticisms from its members, although he noted, "I hope that none of our friends felt slighted".

"Particularly by comments about Gobind and others," he said, adding the issues will be addressed further in winding up speeches by Amanah leaders tomorrow. - Mkini