Dr M: Perikatan more guilty of politicking during the pandemic

PUTRAJAYA: The Perikatan Nasional government is more guilty of politicking during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister said in times of hardship brought about by the Covid-19 situation, Perikatan had no qualms in playing politics and even managed to change state governments in the country.

This, he said, was not in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Royal Address when opening the third session of the 14th Parliament, in which politicians were urged not to drag the country into political turmoil.

“We have listened to the King’s address and most of us agree that during this pandemic period, we must stay away from politics.

“But what we see the government is doing is more of politics than governing to manage Covid-19.

“State governments have been changed. And even though Bersatu are in the Federal Government, yet the Bersatu governments in Johor and Kedah have been changed and given to Umno and PAS.

“Is this Bersatu’s political struggle, which is to give opportunities to other parties?

“Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin made a statement claiming that he is not playing politics, and yet he has campaigned to gain support for himself.

"Party members are given ministerships and other posts to reduce support for Pakatan Harapan, ” Dr Mahathir told a press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation on Monday (May 18).

Also present at the press conference were DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, and Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Notably missing were PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other PKR MPs.