Perikatan to launch monitoring group overseeing Cabinet

KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional will launch a monitoring group to oversee the Cabinet.

Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said an announcement would be made after a Perikatan leadership meeting this month.

He, however, said the monitoring group would not resemble a traditional shadow Cabinet as it would consist of Perikatan MPs monitoring portfolios.

Hamzah, who is the Opposition Leader, said Perikatan’s 74 MPs would act as a check-and-balance to the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“We are working for the rakyat. If the rakyat feels the government should do (something), I will be their voice in line with the policy of the government,” he told a forum organised by the Concorde Club here yesterday.The Concorde Club is an informal grouping of senior editors which meets regularly with political leaders and key policymakers.

Previous speakers include Anwar, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Nurul Izzah Anwar, Rafizi Ramli, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Anthony Loke and Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Hamzah, who is Larut MP and Bersatu secretary-general, said Perikatan was not plotting to change the government and would allow the government to do its job.

Meeting of minds: Hamzah (seventh from left) with Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (eighth from left) with senior journalists from various media houses at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

He said Anwar should be given a chance to govern and prepare the nation for the tough economic realities of the year.

“If I really want to work for the sake of the country, I should really give trust and confidence by saying we are not going to disturb the government by just (raising) political issues and matters in this country.

“Both the Opposition and government need to work together. If the government plays games and is one-sided by taking a populist stand, that is not good.

“They should work with the Opposition, so any decision they want to make is meant to be long-term instead of populist. This is very important for the Prime Minister to understand,” he added.

On Anwar’s performance as Prime Minister, he said it would not be fair to comment as the Tambun MP had just assumed power.

“Allow him to (rule). He was a good deputy prime minister and finance minister. Now it’s a different world that is facing bigger economic problems. Don’t disturb him on political issues,” Hamzah said.