There Should Be No Betrayal In Political Cooperation, Says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, June 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that there must be no elements of betrayal by any party in political cooperation in the country.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said strong cooperation is essential, particularly as the nation faces economic challenges that require all parties to work together.

“I have stated that in ensuring the success of cooperation in this country, there must be no elements of betrayal. If there is no betrayal, then it is good,” he said when officiating the 10th Annual General Meeting of Koperasi Profesional Putrajaya Berhad (KOPROJAYA) here today.

Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia (ANGKASA) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, and KOPROJAYA chairman Saiful Azhar Shaharun.

Anwar made the remarks in response to a previous statement by UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said that the issue of betrayal should not arise once a term of administration has ended.

Ahmad Zahid’s statement was made to deny claims by several PH leaders who labelled UMNO as a ‘traitor’, following the announcement of the State Election in Negeri Sembilan.

However, Anwar, who is also PKR president, said he felt there were some elements of betrayal in the political cooperation in the state.

“In our experience in Negeri Sembilan, there were certainly attempts (betrayal) despite the political stability and the economy, but there were elements aimed at bringing it down.

“So, in my view, there is a bit of betrayal. As for Johor, it is up to them if they want to hold an earlier election,” he said.

Anwar said that if there were no elements of betrayal, all parties would instead focus on strengthening understanding regarding the existing political cooperation.

He stressed that the MADANI Government’s main focus at present is to generate national economic growth as well as resolve all issues affecting the people.

“I have said that our focus is on generating economic growth and addressing people’s problems, not being busy with election matters in the next two or three months,” he said.

On 12 June, the Election Commission (EC) set polling day for the Johor polls on July 11, while the Negeri Sembilan election is on August 1.

-- BERNAMA