KUCHING, March 19: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah’s recent remarks that appeared to defend political frog culture is endangering democracy in Malaysia.
This criticism came from Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak member Michael Kong, who is special assistant to Chong Chieng Jen, in responding to Abdul Karim’s recent remarks praising Kuala Langat Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar’s exit from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and declaring his support towards the Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government.
Judging from the recent statements from Abdul Karim and Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, Kong said it put him on guard whether Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has an active role to play in the recent change of allegiance by former PKR MPs.
“First, when (former PKR Sarawak chairman) Larry Sng jumped, Abdul Karim did comment on it but I did not think too much into it. However, Abdul Karim’s recent statement in praising the actions of Dr Xavier Jayakumar makes me ponder.
“By defending such actions, Abdul Karim is condoning and acknowledging the current ‘frog disease’ that many MPs have contracted,” he alleged in a statement today.
In expressing disappointment that such senior politicians would encourage people to break trust given according to democratic process and betray the people’s mandate, Kong slammed that such actions would only hit the nail into GPS’ coffin.
“If this is a party that subscribes to such acts of betrayal, then this party should be punished for thinking that it can rewrite the rules of democracy and rob the people of their votes.
“Time and time again, we have seen how GPS has been poor in decision making. For over 55 years, it was part of a corrupted and useless BN (Barisan Nasional) coalition.
“Then when it had the chance to subscribe to a change in the Malaysian political landscape, it chose to be part of the ‘Sheraton Move’ and orchestrated the downfall of a New Malaysia.
“To make things worse, GPS chose to partner with PAS and allow them to helm many important ministries in the Federal government,” he alleged.
Kong added that it was because of GPS that Malaysia now has Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan as the de facto Minister of Law.
“Where has Malaysia gone since this (Kota Bahru) MP from PAS came into power? We see various oppressive laws being passed on the pretext of the state of emergency.
“On top of that, we see the Putrajaya now appealing against the recent landmark judgment where the High Court allowed the use of ‘Allah’ by Christians,” he argued.
Kong, thus, urged GPS to take a look into the mirror and see where this country is heading towards under its current administration and leadership before trying to show off its might and political strength.
“This ridiculousness and mockery of the system will only stop the day that GPS stops holding any power,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim was reported on March 15 as saying that while certain quarters from PKR may be twisting facts with regard to Dr Xavier’s departure from the party, he however believed that Dr Xavier has a good reason for quitting.
He believed that Dr Xavier was not an ordinary man who would make decisions recklessly such as being bought with money or being threatened to do so.
“He has his principles and he has been with the party for many years. Therefore, for him to quit like that, I believe he has made a lot of calculations beforehand, one of many included the party’s unfulfilled struggle,” he said.
Abdul Karim personally viewed Dr Xavier’s exit from the party to be independent and declared his support towards the prime minister as a good move.
He also hoped more politicians would follow suit in looking at things the way Dr Xavier did.
“The politicians and the public in general have to be more focused as we have bigger battles to fight, especially on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and addressing the economy. After that, we can continue with politics,” he added. — DayakDaily
