Muda's stance on govt not a fundamental issue, Amir tells Adam

 

The question of Muda's stance on whether to be on the government bench or opposition in facing the upcoming six state elections is not a fundamental issue for the people, said party secretary-general Amir Hariri Abd Hadi.

Responding to PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Amir (above), who referred to the deputy youth and sports minister as his friend, reminded that they had in the past led and participated in demonstrations to protest against scandals of the previous administrations.

"Whether Muda will be a part of the opposition or government, is not a question that is of our priority.

"What is our priority from the start until today is the reform agenda," he said during a press conference with Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at the party's headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

"Before this when I was outside (of Malaysia), among friends who led the protest on issues surrounding MACC chief Azam Baki, among them is Adam Adli himself, and Muda was also there," said Amir in reference to the “Tangkap Azam Baki” protest mobilised in January last year in response to a shareholding scandal that implicated the MACC chief.

"But now after he's appointed (in government), where is his voice?

"That is why we (Muda) say that we must go back to our priorities. Is our priority to continue politicking?" Amir asked.

PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim

Both Amir and Adam were familiar faces in the youth activists’ circle, including through the Liga Rakyat Demokratik movement founded in 2015, prior to their move into active politics.

While Amir had joined Muda and did not contest in the last 15th general election, Adam chose to be with PKR and eventually won the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary seat.

Check and balance

On June 28, in light of Muda’s decision to run solo in the upcoming state elections, Adam had urged the party to clarify where it stands within the government.

Adam had said if Muda no longer supports the coalition government, they can cross over to the opposition bloc.

Syed Saddiq in response had demanded Adam to state his stance on PKR's commitment to the reform agenda.

Adam in another jibe at Syed Saddiq said the former minister should not answer his question with yet another question.

Once again addressing the matter today, Syed Saddiq said Adam's question on Muda's stance has been answered.

Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman

"So now I wish to ask the same question. Where is the Adam Adli that youths all know of?

"Brave! Going down to the streets to protest corruption. But now in power, where is his voice?" he stressed.

Asked if he would remain in Parliament on the government bench while any Muda candidates who won in the state elections be a part of the opposition, Syed Saddiq did not offer a straight answer.

"Muda's focus is to be check and balance for the people. And to extract political reforms which focus on the people.

"We have no problem losing or at the same time not being a part of any state government because what we want to focus on is to be the voice of conscience for the people," he said.

While Syed Saddiq remains as Muda's single MP in government after GE15, the party had strained ties with Pakatan Harapan and particularly PKR since its move to contest the Larkin state seat during the last Johor state election. - Mkini