Working with Umno: Don't build sandcastles, opposition MPs tell Anwar

 

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's intention to build a bridge to Umno has courted more flak from his allies in the opposition.

Today, five MPs from DAP, Warisan, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and PKR issued a statement telling the opposition chief that the formation of any coalition must be based on a "noble agenda" and a shared value system.

The parliamentarians are Ramkarpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor), Darell Leiking (Warisan-Penampang), Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar), Hannah Yeoh (DAP-Segambut) and Maria Chin Abdullah (PKR-Petaling Jaya).

"We read with concern the latest development about our opposition leader having informal talks with Umno. Any possible cooperation with any political parties now or in the days to come needs to be based on a common struggle, namely having a reform mindset and a commitment to implement those reforms.

"Any coalition to be formed must have a noble agenda and a shared value system for it to be sustainable. It is our belief that the existing 'court cluster' and even Umno today do not possess the above agenda and values to rebuild Malaysia," they said in a joint statement.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Anwar confirmed that initial discussions have begun between several PKR and Umno leaders. He also hinted there were Umno MPs supportive of the collaboration idea.

Following this revelation, representatives of five opposition parties issued a joint statement yesterday urging Anwar to unite the opposition and reject any cooperation with "kleptocrats". Among the signees of the statement were leaders of DAP and Amanah, allies of PKR in their Pakatan Harapan coalition.

In today's statement, the five MPs also reminded their opposition chief to learn from what was happening with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government which they said was being held to ransom by Umno.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim

'Wasted enough time'

"We do not want to engage in a futile exercise to rebuild Malaysia. We do not want to build sandcastles that have a majestic facade but are easily washed away when the waves come.

"As parliamentarians, we want to rebuild Malaysia on the right foundation for without this, this nation will crumble again. We need to learn from the 'sandcastles' built by this PN government that have no strong foundation and it is being held to ransom by constant threats of withdrawal of support from Umno. 

"We shall not be like them," the five lawmakers said. 

The group also hinted that Anwar should drop his ambition to become prime minister by playing the "I have enough MPs" numbers game and instead focus on leading the opposition towards victory in future elections.

"We have wasted enough time arguing about 'numbers' and who should be prime minister. A year has passed after the painful betrayal of the Sheraton Move. We want to move forward. We do not have a shortage of talent amongst opposition MPs.

"We want the opposition leadership to be focused on policies that will win the trust and hearts of Malaysians and lead us to victory in the coming elections.

"The road to Putrajaya must not be obtained at all costs," the MPs added. - Mkini