GEORGE TOWN: DAP's decision to remain in the unity government was expected as it would be difficult for any political party that had enjoyed positions in government to walk away from the power it held, says Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
"Once you have tasted the perks of power, you will not easily give it up,” the Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) chief said on Monday (Aug 17).
Rafizi said DAP currently had representatives in various positions, including ministers, deputy ministers, chief ministers, state executive councillors, elected representatives and local councillors.
“DAP holds positions ranging from full ministers and deputy ministers to chief ministers, state executive councillors, elected representatives and councillors further down the line. There are thousands of people involved.
“What makes you think those who voted (at the DAP national congress) would easily say, ‘Come on, we feel we are no longer compatible with this party, so we have to leave and uphold our principles and no longer be part of this government’?” he asked when speaking at Bersama's Jelajah Kancil event in Penang on Sunday (Aug 16) night.
Rafizi said that over the past two to three weeks, he had expected DAP would not leave the unity government, dismissing speculation that the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would collapse.
He said speculation that DAP would withdraw from the government had led some parties, particularly Umno and PAS, to see it as an opportunity for the current government to fall.
“Umno and PAS supporters were already happy and smiling broadly, thinking the Pakatan Harapan government would fall after DAP withdrew.
“I said from the beginning, you clearly do not understand politicians,” he said.
On developments within PKR, Rafizi said the party appeared to be relying increasingly on narratives from its past struggles when dealing with problems and criticism from the public.
He said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil’s admission that the Government had problems communicating with the people was an issue he had raised for a long time, but the admission was not followed by any move to take responsibility by resigning.
"For the first time, Fahmi admitted that we actually have a problem communicating with the public. People have been saying this for years, and now he's finally admitting it.
“If you really failed, take responsibility and resign. If all you are going to say is that you will make corrections and admit that you failed to communicate, there is no need for that, ” he said.
Rafizi pointed out that some PKR leaders used to adopt a high-and-mighty stance during party gatherings, routinely telling critics to pack their bags. However, he said the mood was completely different at the party's recent national congress in Melaka.
"Before this, whenever PKR held an event, their leaders would act so grand and tell anyone who disagreed to get out. But during this recent congress, did you hear anyone telling people to leave?
"Instead, (PKR president Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) was practically pleading (for them to come back). Things have definitely changed," Rafizi said.
The Jelajah Kancil event began at 8pm with a small crowd, but the hall gradually filled as more people arrived.
Rafizi said the venue was originally booked until 11.30pm. However, lively interaction with the audience during the question-and-answer session extended the event until nearly midnight.
He joked that the programme had already “gone overtime” as he continued engaging with those present.
Rafizi also said Bersama's membership had surpassed 30,000 within three months, which he said strengthened his belief that the party is moving in the right direction.
Bersama co-leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was also present.
