Muda, please leave the coalition govt!

 

Recently, Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi challenged Muda to “man up” and leave the coalition government if they were unhappy with the granting a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He also accused Muda of drawing first blood, by contesting solo during the six state elections instead of cooperating with the coalition government.

"Can Muda win Muar and Puteri Wangsa (state seat whose representative is Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz) without (Pakatan) Harapan's support?

"They wouldn't dare (pull out support). Those are mere threats,” Puad was reported as saying.

In my view, Muda should take up Puad’s challenge and leave the coalition government.

And I will explain why.

Despite their errors in the past, Muda and its president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had been steadfast in their progressive views, demanding better accountability from the government on issues such as the littoral combat ship (LCS) scandal.

As for the six state elections and why Muda went solo, let us not forget how Harapan treated the former.

Based on news reports, Muda had sent several letters to Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, seeking admission to the fold.

But Saifuddin’s response to Muda’s application, in my view, reeks of arrogance.

According to Malay Mail, the home minister said that he has yet to read Muda’s letters because his ministerial duties have kept him occupied.

“Muda is still bound by the unity government Memorandum of Understanding. I received (a letter) before the last general election (GE15), but as of now, I haven’t read anything yet, because I have been at the ministry’s office this whole time,” he was reported as saying on March 22.

Adding salt to injury, Muda is being criticised and mocked by Umno leaders, who may I remind readers, were sworn enemies of Harapan just before November last year.

Even though Muda has proved itself to be a good team player to Harapan while the latter was in the opposition, Harapan is now “allowing” its former arch-nemesis to mock and insult its ally.

If one still doesn’t understand what that means, imagine this scenario: How would you feel when your friend turns his or her head away when you get insulted by someone who used to be your common foe?

Right questions, muted leaders

Coming back to Zahid’s acquittal, what is so wrong with Muda’s questions? Many have the same concerns including those from the legal fraternity.

In fact, former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, PKR Youth and even trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah seem to be upset with it.

Hence, Muda is asking the right questions pertaining to an issue that can affect Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s vow to combat graft in the country.

So, kudos to Muda. While some mock your leaders as being wet behind the ears (allies and enemies alike), you have more maturity and conscience than most of our veteran leaders.

As such, I laud Muda for taking up DAP’s past mantle in asking the right questions for the nation’s sake despite threats and insults, while the latter is stamping its mark to become MCA/MIC 2.0. - Mkini

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G VINOD is a member of the Malaysiakini team.