KUALA LUMPUR: The continued attacks on Opposition leaders will backfire on the Barisan Nasional - Pakatan Harapan government in the coming six state elections, says Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should stop abusing his power as the premier by persecuting Perikatan Nasional leaders.
“Maybe this was due to the coming six state elections and that’s why they are trying to paint us black and label us as thieves so that the rakyat will not support us,” said Muhyiddin.
“But I believe that the previous wave of support for Perikatan will continue in the six state elections,” he added in his speech on the Royal Decree in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 15).
Six states - Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, and Kedah - are due for polls this year.
Muhyiddin also said that no prime minister will stay in power forever, as he pointed out that he and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had a brief stint as the premier since 2020.
“Don’t think Tambun (Anwar) can last (as PM) forever. After you, there will be another one,” said Muhyiddin, adding that Anwar should carry out his duties as premier.
Earlier, the House experienced a brief shouting match between Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) and several Perikatan Nasional MPs, as both sides traded barbs on alleged defamatory statements that were previously made on social media.
Muhyiddin subsequently spoke after Mohd Sany’s interjection, and said that whatever expressed by normal Malaysians on TikTok isn’t defamatory, as it was merely an expression of sentiments.
“Thank you, we don’t want to fight here. If it’s true, then it’s true. If it’s slanderous, then it is slanderous. But, if it’s not slander and it was merely an expression of sentiments by the people through TikTok, what’s wrong with it? I don’t understand,” he said.
Muhyiddin said that many political analysts have said that Perikatan received outstanding reception on TikTok in the 15th General Election (GE15), particularly by youth.
He then alleged that after GE15, there were moves by the Communications and Digital Minister to pressure TikTok users who are Perikatan supporters.
“Perikatan leaders are blocked on TikTok, but Pakatan leaders who are sowing hatred and slander on Twitter aren't controlled,” added Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin also spoke about criticism by Pakatan leaders who alleged that the civil service was dominated by the Malays.
“Apparently, the civil service is dominated by the Malays and in the name of reform, this must be reformed. Hey, respect the feelings of the civil service. They are part of the government and if they refuse to work, what will happen?” Muhyiddin said.
He then said that he hopes the government will pay full attention in efforts to strengthen the national economy and people’s welfare.
Muhyiddin also asked why the government couldn’t consider giving another one-off targeted Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal.
“What’s wrong with considering allowing targeted one-off EPF withdrawals if that is what the people want to alleviate their burdens during tough times? The same goes with loan moratoriums. Banks were making money even while the nation was facing a crisis,” he said.
What is wrong if banks were on board to assist the people by reintroducing targeted loan moratoriums to alleviate the burdens of those affected by the inflation and the overnight policy rate,” added Muhyiddin.
He then criticised the government for appointing their family members to public offices.
“Though they are not receiving salaries, such appointments can create conflict of interest and it is nepotism,” said Muhyiddin.
He is believed to be referring to the appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar as the Prime Minister’s economic advisor.
On Feb 12, Nurul Izzah announced that she is no longer the senior adviser on economics and finance to Anwar.
At the same time, Muhyiddin said the Opposition will continue playing its role as the check-and-balance to the government.
“We will carry out our roles with integrity and we will abide by the principles of clean stability. We will support any good policies and we will object to any adverse policies for the people,” said Muhyiddin.
The current Parliament session will sit until March 30.
