BN-PN Alliance for the People or for Political Interests? AMK Asks

Mohd. Shafiq Iqram Abdullah, an executive council member of Malaysia’s PKR youth wing, has challenged Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional to explain the basis of their political cooperation.

He said voters should not be expected to accept a political narrative without answers to the questions already being raised. In the name of transparency, he argued, any cooperation should rest on clear grounds and be accountable to the public.

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What are they offering the people to take the country forward, beyond continuing to play on sentiment and divide society into groups of “us” and “them”?

Shafiq also pressed PN on what it would offer Malaysia beyond playing on sentiment and dividing society into “us” and “them.” He said politics built around finding enemies might mobilize supporters, but would not solve the problems facing ordinary people.

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People are not betrayed because political parties choose to discuss or cooperate. People are betrayed when their interests are set aside for political calculations that do not bring solutions to their lives.

Among those problems, he listed the cost of living, employment opportunities, economic growth, education and the future of younger generations. He said Malaysians, including Malays, wanted better living conditions, broader economic opportunities, quality education and a more secure future, rather than seeing Malay identity repeatedly used as political material during elections.

Shafiq said Pakatan Harapan could compete in elections while still discussing areas of agreement when public interests and national stability required it. He added that PH would not reject cooperation because of political sentiment, but would not accept arrangements lacking a clear, principled and accountable foundation. He said voters in Melaka would judge each party by its position, record and ability to move the state forward.

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PH will not reject cooperation simply because of political sentiment. However, PH will not accept any cooperation without a foundation, principles and clarity that can be held accountable to the people.