JOHOR BAHRU – Political leaders have been reminded not to sacrifice national stability for power struggles that could undermine the government's ongoing efforts to revive the economy and drive development.
Johor Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief Faezuddin Puad said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's suggestion that Parliament should be dissolved rather than a Cabinet reshuffle being carried out could create public anxiety and threaten the country's political stability.
He said the people still remembered Umno's withdrawal of support for the government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in July 2021, as well as the political developments that led to the dissolution of Parliament under the administration of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in October 2022.
"Does Zahid now want to repeat the same episode?
"Such statements should not be taken lightly. They could create public anxiety, undermine national stability and affect investor confidence. Ultimately, the people will bear the consequences," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Earlier, Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister said there was no need for a Cabinet reshuffle at this stage.
Instead, the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said dissolving Parliament would be a better option to allow the people to determine a new mandate.
Faezuddin said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was working to revive the economy, attract investments and implement various reforms in the country's interest.
However, he said these efforts could be disrupted if the country once again faced political uncertainty arising from power struggles.
He therefore urged all parties to give Anwar the space to focus fully on bringing Malaysia towards greater achievements.
"Enough of the power struggles that have cost the country dearly and could do so again.
"When the time comes, we should leave it to the people to assess and decide who deserves to govern," he said.
Anwar was previously reported to have said that it was not yet time to consider a Cabinet reshuffle.
This followed the impending end of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan's appointment as a member of the Dewan Negara on Dec 11.
Meanwhile, on Nov 6, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced his immediate resignation when former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrived at his residence for house arrest.