Govts may come and go but the people must always be top priority, says Ahmad Faizal

KUALA KANGSAR: The government can change many times in a parliamentary term, but it means nothing if the people are not made a priority, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

The Bersatu deputy president said the provision to establish a government is very clear under the law and the Constitution.

“So if the process happens, we must let it happen in a peaceful manner.

“However, that must not be the focus, which should always be on the people.

“So if the government changes 80 times in a term, if the importance of the people is not prioritised, that does not bring any meaning (to the change),” he told reporters at Perak Bersatu’s Hari Raya open house at Dewan Jubli Perak here on Tuesday (May 9).

Ahmad Faizal was asked to comment on Anthony Loke’s statement on Sunday (May 7) that the conspiracy to topple the unity government was part of the Opposition's strategy to give false hope to its supporters and members in facing the upcoming elections in six states.

The DAP secretary-general had said there was no basis for the rumours of a change in Federal Government as all parties involved had given their unwavering support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Ahmad Faizal said Perikatan Nasional always focused on the people.

“That is all that I have to say. There is no need to say anything more.

“Let's work for the people. Because we need to find ways, especially during Hari Raya, to lower prices of chicken and essential items.

“Lowering the price of cement during this period is not necessary. People are not going to build houses during Raya, but more likely they will host open houses instead,” he added.

On former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s accusation that Anwar Ibrahim had helped his cronies when he was in the Cabinet in the 1990s, Ahmad Faizal said: “I agree that he (Anwar) should not point fingers when he himself is not brave enough to show how he is able to have such a lavish lifestyle.

“Today he says he does not draw a salary, but still maintains a good lifestyle.

“So everyone wants to know where the money is coming from.

“Who is sponsoring the helicopter, the gigantic billboards?” he said.

Ahmad Faizal said if Anwar was not ready to reveal such information, he should not call out other people.