Harapan practises autocracy, not democracy - Muhyiddin

The Pakatan Harapan-led administration practises autocracy, Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin has alleged.

This became apparent when Harapan came to power after the 15th general election, he claimed.

“We (PN) don’t talk aggressively about democracy, but we practice it.

“They (Harapan) bluster about democracy, but observe autocracy,” the Bersatu president said in his policy speech at the 2024 PN elected candidates’ convention at the Sunway Putra Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, today.

He cited the alleged blocking of a TikTok video by Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin, who talked about the falling ringgit.

“Why the need to block it (the video)? Did they (Harapan) not used to champion the cause of media freedom last time?

Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin

“It’s as if they were champions of democracy and human rights. But now that they are the government, they are using power to crack down on freedom. Clearly, they are hypocrites,” said Muhyiddin.

Social media control

The Pagoh MP also accused the Anwar Ibrahim-led administration of trying to control the social media narrative, as it feared losing the people’s support.

The people are currently dissatisfied with various issues plaguing them, including the rising cost of living and the falling ringgit, he noted.

“Maybe the Madani government realises the chronic ‘trust deficit’ problem it faces from the rakyat. That’s why it’s trying to control the social media narrative.

“They don’t want the rakyat to criticise the government for its weaknesses, which makes it unpopular. That is why social media is closely scrutinised,” said Muhyiddin.

The former prime minister noted that he too became the subject of much criticism when he led the PN government, but never once had he restricted the people’s freedom of speech.

“I have never instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) or TikTok to block videos or social media postings. That was our principle in administering the country.

“Our country has laws, and the government’s powers are limited by the law. The government cannot act as it wishes in cracking down on the people’s liberties unless they (the people) break the law.” - Mkini