Malaysia's new government should give attention to political stability, economic development, say ruling coalition leaders
02 March, 2020
The focus of Mr Muhyiddin Yassin's new administration should be to ensure political stability and economic development, said the ruling coalition's party leaders on Sunday (Mar 1).
President of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Abdul Hadi Awang said Mr Muhyiddin's new administration should prioritise financial recovery and act fairly to the people no matter race, religion, or political leanings.
Mr Hadi was speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, hours after watching Mr Muhyiddin being sworn in as Malaysia's eighth prime minister.
PAS, and also other parties in the Perikatan Nasional coalition, had pledged their support for Mr Muhyddin and nominated him to be their prime minister candidate to get rid of the political turmoil that gripped the united states during the last week.
The other parties are the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and Mr Muhyiddin's Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
Speaking at the press conference, Mr Hadi said: "PAS fully supports the leadership of Muhyiddin Yassin as Malaysia's eighth prime minister.
"PAS hopes the brand new authorities will prioritise recovering the economy, close the gap between rich and poor, and balance the development of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak."
UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also told reporters on Sunday: "We have to come together and forget our differences. We must recover the economy as a way to look after the people’s welfare. Urban poverty also needs to be reduced.”
Achieving this might require the support of most Malaysians, regardless of their race and religion, he said, according to a Bernama report.
The government must bring the Islamic institutions under its fold again, particularly companies under Tabung Haji, said Mr Zahid.
"I am not being racist in this matter as this is already encapsulated in the national policy and we'll correct the situation.
"We are not promising the moon and the stars but I think the brand new leadership will be better as Tan Sri Muhyiddin is more open and more grounded, and most of us in the parties that are supporting him will help in any manner ... particularly in identifying the fiscal policies and banking systems,” he added.
Mr Hadi expressed hope that the brand new government will be fair to Malaysians "irrespective of their race, religion or political leanings".
NEW CABINET
Mr Muhyiddin has yet to announce his cabinet members however, many of PAS' 18 MPs are anticipated to be included.
If appointed, it'll mark the 1st time PAS is the main authorities since 1974. However, Mr Hadi said that no decisions have been made on cabinet positions for PAS members.
"Discussions on cabinet positions have not begun yet (with the rest of the coalition). It'll happen soon, God willing," said Mr Hadi.
Asked whether a meeting will be held soon to go over the selection of a new Cabinet, Mr Zahid said he previously yet to get any indication on the matter and that it could be best left to the discretion of the prime minister.
"OUR COUNTRY NEEDS PEACE AND STABILITY"
Separately, Member of Parliament for Gombak Mohamed Azmin Ali said he was confident that Malaysians would receive well the appointment of Mr Muhyiddin and his administration to guarantee the country's continued progress.
"The country’s political crisis has been resolved relative to the Constitution which is a very positive thing and I am confident that the rakyat will receive it well,” said the former Parti Keadilan Rakyat deputy president.
UMNO deputy president Ismail Sabri Yaakob also said he was confident that Mr Muhyiddin can resolve arising problems and offer the persons confidence in the new administration.
“What is more vital that you me is that our country needs peace and stability. I am hoping there will be no more conditions that will disturb the country’s peace,” he said.
On the probability of members of parliament raising a vote of no-confidence against the brand new prime minister, Mr Ismail Sabri said doing this would be within their rights.
Mr Hadi was also asked about PAS' stand on some UMNO members who've been charged for corruption.
"What's most significant is that we save the united states first. That is important, following the political crisis that has happened," said Mr Hadi.
"And if you would like to accuse these UMNO leaders of triggering problems, the Pakatan Harapan leaders have also been causing problems, and also have been stopped from being charged by the courts. These were let off exactly like that."
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