Asyraf cites 3 reasons opposition can't ride on SDs to Putrajaya

 

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has poured cold water on the alleged move to topple the government through statutory declarations (SDs).

He cited three reasons to argue that it is nothing more than a game of perception by the opposition.

The first, he said, is that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong repeatedly decreed he would not entertain attempts to change the government through the presentation of SDs.

Second, he said, the opposition is left with 69 lawmakers and requires another 43 to have 112, or a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

“GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak), especially its non-Muslim MPs, have made it clear that it won’t support PN (Perikatan Nasional) because it includes the ‘extremist’ PAS.

“Whereas BN MPs are tied to the RM100 million contract which they have to pay if they switch their support,” he added.

Third, he said, is that the sole avenue to change the government is through a no-confidence vote in Parliament.

“Even if there are MPs who signed the SD, they would be afraid to openly declare their support (for the no-confidence motion).

“Perhaps, this is the reason the opposition lacked the courage to suggest a no-confidence vote despite the prime minister challenging them to do so,” he added.

Asyraf also censured Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for continuing to harp on the SDs issue.

“Is this a responsible statement when PN’s leadership themselves denied there is such a move?

“Is the Kedah MB trying to sabotage the nation’s economy which is undergoing a transformation process after restoring the confidence of investors that politics in Malaysia is stable?

“Does the Kedah MB want the people to continue suffering for years since the collapse of BN in 2018 because of unstable politics affecting the economy and cost of living?” he asked.

Urging all quarters to put a full stop to this “pointless SD polemic”, Asyraf told the opposition to wait for another four years to “satiate their lust” to become the government.

Yesterday, Sanusi, who is also the PAS election director, claimed PN has “sufficient” SDs to unseat Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition government. - Mkini