KUCHING, Feb 1: The Opposition in the state is gearing up for the coming general election with their first political talk in a Chinese majority urban area to explain why they need former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to topple UMNO.
The talk, which will be held on Feb 4 at 7pm, in front of Kenyalang Theatre and Commercial Complex, will see Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching and Padungan state assemblyman Wong King Wei as speakers.
Briefing reporters today about the talk, Chong who is also state Pakatan Harapan chairman agreed that Dr Mahathir had committed many bad deeds in the past, which was done with the support of all Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders including from Sarawak BN.
“Yes, he (Dr Mahathir) made a lot of bad decisions and policies, which were draconian and unreasonable. They (Sarawak leaders) kissed his hand, bowed down to him and supported him wholeheartedly.”
However, Chong said that Dr Mahathir is now out of BN and UMNO and had agreed to the Opposition’s political reforms and policies
“He even agreed to step down when Anwar (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) is available to take over. Sarawak BN leaders criticise him but when he (Dr Mahathir) did bad things (as PM) they supported him, but when he tries to do things (now), they condemn him.”
Chong explained that the opposition alliance needs to capitalise on Dr Mahathir’s influence to win votes based on the political scenario now in order to effect a change of government.
He added that the last time there was a chance to change government was when Anwar was out of UMNO in 1999. Now with Dr Mahathir and former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin both out of UMNO, Chong said it is the best chance, otherwise Malaysians will have to wait for another 20 years. — DayakDaily
