PUTRAJAYA: There were elements of betrayal in Negri Sembilan, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, citing alleged efforts to topple the state government despite political and economic stability.
To prevent a similar situation from recurring, the Prime Minister urged all parties to remain focused on the people’s welfare amid economic challenges.
His remarks came amid an ongoing war of words between leaders of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional over claims of betrayal following the announcement of the Negri Sembilan state election.
Anwar said his earlier comments in Seremban on Friday (June 12) were not intended to accuse any particular party but to stress the importance of avoiding acts that could undermine cooperation within the government.
“I said that in ensuring the success of cooperation in this country, there should not be any elements of betrayal. If there was no betrayal, then that is good.
“But when we look at our experience in Negri Sembilan, there were certainly efforts to bring down the government despite the state’s political and economic stability.
“To me, that reflects a degree of betrayal,” he told reporters when met at the opening ceremony of the 10th annual general meeting of Putrajaya Berhad Professional Cooperative, here on Sunday (June 14).
The Prime Minister also called on political parties to exercise patience and prioritise efforts to strengthen the economy and address issues affecting the rakyat rather than becoming preoccupied with election campaigns.
“As for Johor, it is up to them if they want to hold elections earlier.
“But our focus should be on generating economic growth, strengthening the country’s economy and resolving the people’s problems.
“If we spend the next three or four months focusing on elections, whereas we could instead spend the next two or three months concentrating on the economic crisis and issues affecting the rakyat, that is what I mean.
“If there is no betrayal, then that is fine. But we must improve our understanding of why cooperation and consensus are important, and when elections are necessary at the appropriate time, then we proceed,” he said.
Yesterday (June 13), Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed allegations of betrayal following the dissolution of the Negri Sembilan Legislative Assembly, saying no issue of treachery should arise when an administration’s term comes to an end.
He was responding to claims by Pakatan leaders who labelled Umno a “traitor” following the announcement of the Negri Sembilan state election.
The political dispute stems from events leading up to the dissolution of the Negri Sembilan assembly earlier this month.
Pakatan Negri Sembilan chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun had alleged that efforts to unseat him as menteri besar, including reported discussions between Umno and Perikatan Nasional leaders, amounted to a betrayal of the state government.
When launching the Negri Sembilan Pakatan election machinery in Seremban on Friday, Anwar expressed his objection to calling early elections when the state government is only in its third year.
“This is ‘wayang kulit’ (political theatre). We are forced to have an election so that the people can make the choice,” Anwar was reported as saying.
The Negri Sembilan Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 4, with polling scheduled for Aug 1.
