Mohd Solihan Badri. -filepic
JOHOR BARU: Johor Perikatan Nasional has defended Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) ministers' role in the present government, saying they have carried out their responsibilities well.
Its deputy chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said accusing Bersatu leaders of contributing to the government's low performance was uncalled.
“The National Recovery Council, which is chaired by Muhyiddin, has advised Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to carry out extraordinary programs to revive the country’s economy from the impact of Covid-19.
“But the Prime Minister is seen not being serious with Muhyiddin’s observation or the council report when no comprehensive action is taken by the latter who is more concerned with the interference and threats coming from Umno leaders,” he said in a statement here on Tuesday (Sept 20).
Mohd Solihan added as a result of focusing on politicking, the Prime Minister lost focus on managing the government, the people and the economy.
He said this included ignoring the council’s recommendations that were raised during the Cabinet meeting that have a solid foundation and could be implemented.
“Muhyiddin's good suggestions have been taken lightly just because he is Perikatan chairman. The Prime Minister needs to be professional in managing the government because if a good idea is blocked, then the people will suffer the consequences,” he added.
Mohd Solihan said the state Perikatan has not seen anything new since Ismail Sabri took over the government’s administration except continuing Muhyiddin’s initial plan.
He added that while regional countries were actively continuing projects that have been stopped due to Covid-19 in addition to implementing new developments that would drive growth, Malaysia, he said, was, unfortunately, the focus of international attention due to endless political conflicts and greedy, corrupt leaders.
Mohd Solihan called upon Ismail Sabri to immediately rectify this matter and must not be prejudiced against Muhyiddin’s advice so that the government was serious about saving the country from losing billions of ringgit.
“Among them are economic management failures and labour shortages including core industries such as palm oil in addition to the decline in the value of the ringgit following various factors that are increasingly going out of control.
“Ismail Sabri also needs to bravely deal with political threats from his own Umno colleagues in addition to wisely balancing between politicking and managing the interests of the people,” he said.
On Monday (Sept 19), Muhyiddin said that it was better for Ismail Sabri to call for the general election if the country’s economy was not being properly managed.
Ismail Sabri answered back saying the former premier advises the government on the economy in his capacity as the council’s chairman.
“In terms of economy, we have (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed managing it as well as the council, which is chaired by Muhyiddin.
“The council also advises the government, so this is a collective responsibility. If it (the economy) fails then everyone fails, including (the council),” he said.
