Change of govt normal: Hadi defends predicting Anwar's fall

 

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has defended his prediction that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government will collapse soon.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby today, Hadi said it is normal for there to be a change in government.

He claimed there were signs of dissatisfaction among various quarters of the governing coalition and said, therefore, it is not impossible for the government to fall.

“That (predicting Anwar’s downfall) is a political statement. And usually in politics (there are) votes of no confidence, obtaining SDs (statutory declarations). Supporters of the government would turn away,” he said.

The Marang MP said this when asked to explain his recent statement predicting the collapse of Anwar’s administration in the near future.

He was also asked to confirm whether there are efforts being made by Perikatan Nasional to topple the current federal government.

“(This is allowed) and it happens in a democratic country.

“We do not just try (to bring down the government) through the general elections but also through Parliament.

“We have the right to plan, no one can stop us. We want to plan,” he stressed.

‘Agong’s decree does not prevent changes’

Asked if his coalition’s efforts to usurp Anwar’s government are going against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree for political stability, Hadi said the king’s words do not prevent changes in a democratic country. 

“According to the constitutional monarchy, the king is placed under the constitution. Our constitution still upholds democracy,” he emphasised.

Previously, Hadi shared his prediction during a dialogue organised by book publisher Yayasan Permata Ummah in Kuala Lumpur last night but was short on details.

He did not specify whether the cause of the collapse would come from within or without the government.

His brazen prediction drew brickbats from various quarters, with several leaders urging him to focus on attending Parliament instead of sabotaging and upsetting the public. The Marang MP has a poor attendance record in Parliament.

Anwar also scoffed at the Islamist party leader’s prediction and said “it’s okay, let him plan and rant (mengigau)”.

In other news, Hadi said there was no issue with opposition leaders and politicians being taken to court on claims of corrupt practices.

“They can take (us to court), we are open to that. But Pakatan Harapan must be fair because those in the ‘Court Cluster’, those who have been convicted and appointed (as ministers) include those who are still in court,” he said, adding that charging someone in court does not mean that they are guilty. 

Bersatu’s Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Segambut deputy chief Adam Radlan were charged in court with graft last month.

Both Wan Saiful and Adam pleaded not guilty to all charges. - Mkini