THE Dewan Rakyat was stunned when Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (pic) openly expressed his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Bersatu MP became the fifth Perikatan Nasional lawmaker to do so, but unlike his peers, he declared his support in the Dewan Rakyat during the Prime Minister’s Question Time.
He said he was ready to offer his expertise to the unity government in alleviating the economic conditions and forming a “Madani” society.
Syed Abu Hussin had earlier given a long speech commending Anwar on his efforts to unite the country, and called for other MPs to echo the spirit.
“I call on Pagoh (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) and Bera (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) to come together with Tambun (Anwar) to build a Madani society.
“And for the Opposition, let us all negotiate properly with the government just like what had been done by Bera when he was the prime minister.
“I, myself, am ready to offer and help the government to build the Madani society and help address the rising cost of living.
“Therefore, Bukit Gantang pledges its support to Tambun as the 10th Prime Minister and the Madani government,” he said.
Syed Abu Hussin’s statement sent shockwaves across the august house, with several government backbenchers cheering to welcome him to the “other side.”
“The truth is, the threat upon our country was not the colonists or the communists, but rather to our unity.
“Malays continue to be divided to the point where there is no Malay party that is strong enough to form the government,” Syed Abu Hussin said in his speech.
He also asked Anwar whether the Prime Minister was ready to accept more MPs from the Opposition to join hands with him in prioritising the rakyat.
In response, Anwar thanked Syed Abu Hussin for supporting the government based on the principles he emphasised.
“I have provided an opportunity for negotiations with the government, not only regarding allocations but also to listen to the constructive views of Opposition MPs,” said Anwar.
Previously, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain, Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman, Jeli MP Zahari Kechik and Gua Musang MP Mohd Azizi Abu Naim declared support for Anwar, saying that they did so to gain extra allocations for their constituencies.
On Nov 9, Syed Abu Hussin said he would pledge his support to Anwar if the government can allocate enough funding for his constituency.
Meanwhile, Bersatu Bukit Gantang chief slammed Syed Abu Hussin, calling it a betrayal of the people’s mandate.
“As an Opposition MP, Syed Abu Husin should play the role of an agent of checks and balances.
“The support of an MP for the government must be based on the interests of the people over a particular issue,” he said in a statement.
He added that the democratic system would be destroyed if all Opposition MPs gave their full support to the Prime Minister just for extra allocations.
He also said Syed Abu Husin’s claim that the decision was for the benefit of the people was “sickening.”
“If Syed Abu Husin is so sure that his support of the Madani government has the blessings of Bukit Gantang voters, then he should resign from his post and recontest under a Pakatan Harapan or Barisan Nasional ticket.”
