After Umno's call on political ceasefire, Loke urges all parties to meet

 

DAP organising-secretary Anthony Loke has reiterated his call for all political parties to meet to find ways to resolve the current political crisis.

This came after Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had proposed a political ceasefire so that tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impact on the people can be prioritised. 

"In fact, I had brought up the issue of the political ceasefire as early as August, before the Sabah state election was held (on Sept 26)," Loke said in a statement today. 

"I am of the view that all parties should be open-minded and be prepared to sit down at the negotiating table to resolve the political crisis.

"The leaders must be ready to provide leadership. A clear message must be conveyed to all Malaysians that no snap polls will be called before the expiry of the parliamentary term," he added.

Loke said this would ensure the government stay focus to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and revitalise the economy.

"Let us be the leaders of the people, not just mere politicians," he said.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

In August, Loke proposed a political ceasefire following a stalemate in the country's politics with horse-trading by both sides and the opposition attempting to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin via bloc vote in the august House.

The political situation saw an escalating tension after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim claimed to enjoy the majority support in Dewan Rakyat, and then Umno threatened to review its support for PN. 

In a statement yesterday, Zahid called for a ceasefire and pledged to strengthen its cooperation with all PN parties.

Loke, however, said a ceasefire usually refers to temporary reconciliation between two opposing parties in politics.

"As such, it's strange that the Umno president whose party is part of the ruling PN government had announced a political truce. Indirectly, he has admitted that there were plans to topple the PN government," said the Seremban MP. 

According to Loke, the political coup is being held back by the surge of Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted the temporary truce. 

He also reaffirmed DAP's stand to support Anwar as the prime minister if the PKR leader obtains the support of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat.  - Mkini