DAP urges PM to seek 'constructive engagement', prevent second 'misjudgement'

 

The political uncertainty seems to have died down after Umno reaffirmed their support for Perikatan Nasional (PN) yesterday.

With Budget 2021 expected to be tabled next Friday, the DAP urged Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to seek “constructive engagement” with all parties including Pakatan Harapan for the sake of the country and people's wellbeing.

DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai (above) said Muhyiddin and the PN government should adopt cross-party cooperation to prevent another major period of turmoil.

He also described the premier's attempt of seeking consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare an emergency as “disastrous".

“The PN govt must adopt cross-party cooperation, attitude, and approach. This is what people are hoping to see immediately.

“(Muhyiddin) will commit a second major misjudgment if he rejects constructive engagement with the opposition,” said the Cheras MP when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Tan urged Muhyiddin to respect and adhere to the Agong’s advice by engaging with Harapan so as to ensure stability in the government.

He noted that the King's message, after the meeting of rulers, stated that the King and rulers wished to see stability through mutual political cooperation between all parties.

“Therefore, it is imperative for PN to humbly seek the views, opinions, suggestions, and recommendations regarding Budget 2021 from all political parties including Harapan.

“(Muhyiddin) should be humble for the good of the country and people,” he said, adding that DAP has taken the initiative to offer an olive branch.

When asked if Harapan had reached a consensus on this matter, Tan, who is also a member of the Harapan presidential council, said he is optimistic that the coalition will agree with DAP's stand.

Previously, DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke (photo) called for all parties to work together and mooted three topics to start negotiations in order to achieve “national consensus”.

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub also said they were ready to meet Muhyiddin on Budget 2021 after the Umno supreme council reaffirmed its support for PN.

Meanwhile, DAP's Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching said it would be best for Muhyiddin to initiate the discussion of the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) with the opposition.

Under the parliamentary Westminster system, a CSA is required for a minority government to retain power whereby a number of MPs will support the government in motions or budget votes. NGO Bersih 2.0 mooted this idea as well.

According to Teo, Muhyiddin has not resolved his political crisis yet, despite Umno and PAS reiterating their support for PN.

This is because the threats came from PN allies itself, which are Umno and other parties, she added.

That is why it is important for Muhyiddin to be more proactive in dealing with oppositions by discussing the CSA, as this could help the premier secure the support from other MPs, so that he need not worry about the budget being defeated in the august House, she said.

“We are willing to work together and we are interested to talk about the CSA. Now it depends on Muhyiddin whether to take up the offer or not,” said the DAP international affairs secretary.

On the other hand, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin (photo) said PN should take political accountability by removing the two Bersatu ministers, namely Azmin Ali and Hamzah Zainudin to "reset the scene" when the country has faced a lot of political turbulence.

As the largest party which holds 42 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, Chan hoped DAP could play a role to stabilise the country, including proposing a reconciliation plan.

When asked about the “national consensus” plan mooted by Loke, Chan said he agreed with it as the plan could help achieve political stability and uphold the parliamentary democratic system.

“I also think that it’s time for Harapan and its allies to have a meeting and seek consensus regarding this matter,” said the DAP Sabah secretary.

Yesterday, DAP senator Liew Chin Tong suggested for Muhyiddin to “offer the heads of Hamzah Zainuddin and Azmin Ali”.

PKR lawmaker Wong Chen also urged Muhyiddin to resign, or at least sack two of his ministers.

Although he did not mention names, it was obvious the Subang MP was referring to Azmin and Hamzah. - Mkini