‘People want BN to be a strong Opposition’
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional needs to rise up to the occasion and become a trustworthy Opposition that will conduct checks and balances on the Pakatan Harapan government, says Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
Although Barisan is now suffering from a trust deficit, he said the party owes it to the people to ensure the Government of the day remains efficient and honourable.
“The people want us to be a strong Opposition, and the main message in the 14th General Election is that the people do not want a government that is immune to the will of the people.
“Their every step needs to be meticulously monitored to ensure an efficient and honourable administration,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Khairy said even if Malaysians had cast a disapproving eye on Barisan, it should not allow the defeat to affect its members and the coalition must soldier on and get its act together.
The Rembau MP also suggested steps for Barisan to prepare to be a worthy opponent in the Dewan Rakyat.
Among them is separating between party obligations and the obligations of Barisan MPs to the people.
For example, he said the Barisan chairman need not necessarily be the Opposition Leader in Parliament, which would give him the opportunity to focus on restructuring the coalition.
“Other legislative duties can be shouldered by other team members within the coalition,” he said.
He also suggested that a shadow Cabinet be formed as soon as an opposition chief is selected.
“I know this has never happened before, but in the spirit of a New Malaysia, we must change,” he said.
Khairy said Barisan should also be a responsible Opposition and not simply “oppose for opposition’s sake”.
He hoped that the Pakatan government would consider other changes, which were mentioned in its manifesto.