We’ll protect people’s and nation’s interests, say Pakatan chiefs

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan leaders have assured Malaysians that they will perform their “check and balance” role in the Opposition to protect the interest of the people and nation.

In a joint statement issued, they said the King’s royal address at the opening of Parliament yesterday touched on important matters such as defending the rights of the rakyat, the need for mature politics, being free of corruption, upholding religion and respecting the status of the Malay rulers.

In this respect, they pledged that their lawmakers would carry out their duties to ensure these objectives were met.

They also touched on the shared prosperity vision, national anti-corruption plan, critical infrastructure development in Sabah and Sarawak, bridging the economic gap and addressing poverty.

“We hold in high regard the concerns expressed by Tuanku in his decree on the culture of corruption and the misuse and abuse of power as this could retard development while smearing the country’s image internationally,” the joint statement read.

The statement was issued by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as the Opposition leader, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman Tun Dr Mahathir

Mohamad, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Upko president Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

Issues involving alleged abuse of aid under the Covid-19 stimulus packages should be debated as soon as possible, said the leaders.

They also welcomed the King’s reminder that politicians should not allow their differences to culminate in hostility and slander, but to make efforts to develop and unify the nation.

The leaders called for the Covid-19 issue, particularly matters related to the stimulus packages, to be given special attention due to numerous reports of leakages resulting in aid not reaching the intended target groups.

“This matter is very worrying as it involves those who are in need of much help at this time. We feel that this should be debated as soon as possible,” the statement read.

They also thanked the frontliners who had been working hard to protect the people from the deadly pandemic.

The leaders also touched on the recent decision to let film producer Riza Abdul Aziz off the hook with a discharge not amounting to an acquittal over money-laundering charges linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd, saying this had affected the country’s image.