Shahidan urges Dr M to think twice over new party plan

ARAU: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision to establish a new Malay party would only be a disservice to the people.

He said Dr Mahathir should think twice before making any move, as his intention to oust a political leader seems to be edging towards overthrowing a party that has contributed a lot to the people.

“Tun says he wants to oust the leader, but his actions seem to be ‘very unusual’ as the decision (to form a new party) not only goes against Umno, but is also dragging in the multi-racial public. Usually, people of different races are united through compassion, not hatred,” Shahidan told reporters on the sidelines of a student exchange programme, here.

He was commenting on the establishment of a new party, led by Dr Mahathir, which would join the opposition.

Shahidan, who is also chairman of the Perlis Umno Liaison Committee, said although the movement led by Dr Mahahthir would only have a localised effect, Umno could not remain complacent and take upcoming challenges for granted.

He said the move may not affect the party nationwide, however it could be felt in opposition-led states, as well as Kedah and Perak, which had fallen to the opposition in the 2008 General Election.

“I do not want to discredit any party. Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) should have a more robust strategy to face the challenges to come. BN, which has served the people, must be defended. Therefore, we need to continue to champion the people and ensure that their interests are protected,” added Shahidan.

He said people would continue to be neglected, and job opportunities difficult to realise if Umno had to constantly ‘fight’ with political parties which were out to topple it in the next two years, and that the government and the people should come together and focus on improving the economy.

Meanwhile, PAS is taking a ‘wait and see’ approach on the formation of the new party by Dr Mahathir.

PAS deputy spiritual leader (Mursyidul Am), Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the party respected Dr Mahathir’s move to establish a new party, however, it was still too early to make any decision on forming ties with the party.

Last Thursday, Dr Mahathir announced that an opposition pact involving a new party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), DAP and Amanah would be established to challenge BN in the 14th General Election. — Bernama