Don't mistake willingness to work with new PM as unity govt - Guan Eng

 

DAP's willingness to cooperate with newly minted Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob should not be mistaken as an attempt to form a unity government, said party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Lim (above) said the DAP will still remain in the opposition to play its constitutional role as a check and balance on the government, a voice of the people, standing up for ideals and principles as well as fighting against injustices.

"We are willing to work together if we can achieve institutional reforms, especially the constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds majority to enact an anti-hopping law," he said in a statement.

The Bagan MP also noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has been unrelenting with over 16,000 dead and the economy in crisis.

He added that to revive the "Malaysian Dream" of a country that proudly takes its place amongst developed nations, there must be a whole-of-society effort and unity of purpose to win against the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The DAP is willing to look to the future and take the difficult step to work with the new government of Ismail Sabri by adopting a National Covid-19 Reset Plan and an RM45 billion Economic Turnaround Plan to normalise our country and economy.

"This normalisation plan will enable us to carry on with our lives, to work to earn a living, carry on with our business, go back to school and inspire hope amongst the young that they can aspire to realise their full potential instead of a future blighted by total lockdown and relying on food parcels," he said.

Lim said with one out of every 18 Malaysians already infected with Covid-19, waiting was no longer an option.

He said the reset plan must ensure adequate mass testing, hospital capacity and supply including intensive care unit beds, medicine and facilities for the sick.

He added that the economic turnaround plan must also focus on direct, regular financial aid and fiscal injections instead of the regular "one-off" approach to assistance and loan guarantees. - Mkini