‘BN to be effective Opposition’

Wee: Criticism of Govt part of being a proper check and balance

PETALING JAYA: It is Barisan Nasional’s duty as the Opposition to ensure the new Government is transparent and efficient, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Referring to online comments claiming that Barisan leaders have no grounds to criticise the present government due to their past deeds, the MCA deputy president said Barisan has a duty to provide checks and balances.

“Of late, the Facebook pages of many Barisan leaders, including mine, have been inundated with comments of scepticism and even condemnation.

“We accept feedback on the shortcomings of Barisan’s administration, on which we have much self-reflection to do,” he wrote on Facebook yesterday.

Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, acknowledged that there had been “instances of injustice, arrogance and inequality” among the component parties in Barisan and admitted that the coalition was “out of touch with ordinary folks”, especially the Chinese community and the youth.

However, he said the coalition had a duty to provide checks and balances on the current administration.

“For better or worse, this responsibility has been entrusted to us now.

“Our new job should not be impeded by our old baggage, and more importantly, the new government should never use the excuse that ‘BN also did that’ to run away from being questioned,” he said.

Dr Wee said the Opposition should come together to discuss the feasibility of the policies of the new government, among others, for effective checks and balances.

For better or worse, this responsibility has been entrusted to us now. Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong