Aziz Bari: Relieved to be backbencher if new Perak govt delivers

 

DAP’s Tebing Tinggi assemblyperson Abdul Aziz Bari was the state opposition leader when the Perak legislative assembly was dissolved on Oct 17 to pave the way for the state polls held concurrently with the general election.

He is now relieved to be sitting out the new BN-Pakatan Harapan coalition government as long as it can deliver prosperity and stability for the people.

“I’m now technically a backbencher, not a cabinet member. So I’m not bound by the constitutional requirement of collective responsibility.

“I’m free to express my view. Though I’ve to bear in mind what my party whip has to say,” he told Malaysiakini.

Aziz served as the Perak state executive councillor (exco) for education, science, environment, green technology, and information when Ahmad Faizal Azumu helmed the state’s Harapan administration from 2018 to 2020.

However, that ended when Faizal defected in the aftermath of the Sheraton Move in 2020.

Ironically, Faizal himself was toppled by another shift in support which resulted in Umno’s Saarani Mohamad becoming the Perak menteri besar in December 2020.

After the recent polls, BN won nine seats, Harapan 24, and PN 26. Yet, despite having the least amount of seats, Saarani retained his position and the new administration saw BN taking three exco positions and Harapan taking seven.

It was widely viewed as part of a deal that might see BN be part of a Harapan-led government at the federal level.

“Personally I’m relieved,” said Aziz.

“Although I agree with the formation of this government, I know out there my supporters find it hard to live with.

“And I know there are practical problems at the grassroots level given years of rivalry between the two political groupings,” he conceded.

Clear direction is crucial

Aziz said he was willing to take a backseat but urged the new state government to formulate a working arrangement as soon as possible.

“I hope my sitting out has made the process of selecting exco members easier on the part of leadership.

“I’m not clear about policies and direction this government would take. A clear direction is crucial before a government can assert its authority and expect its members to abide by the collective responsibility principle.

“Given the circumstances which have given rise to the formation of this government, many interests and factors have to be taken care of,” he said.

Aziz said if any one coalition won outright, the picture would naturally be clearer.

“If it were just between Harapan partners, it would have been easier, but as we were unable to win outright, the coalition needs to find a partner to form the government.

“In a way, I’ve come full circle, from being a member of the previous government and then leader of the opposition and now an ordinary member of the House, a backbencher,” he said. - Mkini