KUCHING: The newly-appointed State Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Abdullah Saidol said the state Democratic Action Party (DAP) was only banking on rhetoric when calling for a two-party system in Malaysia.
Abdullah, who is Semop assemblyman, said that since the opposition party itself was in disarray, it was not be fitting for state DAP treasurer Violet Yong to make such a call.
He said that the three major political parties in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) namely DAP, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) had so many conflicting interests and agendas.
“In a nutshell, Yong’s calling for a two-party system is premature and that the system is also not feasible in the present situation,” he said when contacted yesterday.
At a dinner in Beratok near here last Saturday, Yong, also Pending assemblywoman, said a two-party system must be put in place to save Malaysia.
“But what is there to save Malaysia from?” Abdullah questioned.
“Our democratic system has so far suited well in this multi-racial society. To propose a two party system, DAP should ask their partners in PR, especially PAS, what their stand on hudud law.”
Abdullah also countered state DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen’s claim that the opposition had been suppressed by the inhibition of speeches in the just concluded State Legislative Assembly sitting.
“Being elected members of the Assembly, we should observe the decorum when making our speeches or debating issues. Our conduct is governed by the standing orders. Failure to comply with this simple rule will cause a chaotic situation which is not good when public interests are at stake.”
Privilege in the Assembly should not be misused by making frivolous, vexatious and unfounded statement, he said.
Meanwhile, Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was untrue that members of the opposition had been suppressed inside or outside the Assembly.
“Since when has the opposition elected representatives been suppressed in or outside the Assembly? Isn’t it that they were the ones barking inside and outside the August house without restraint?
“There is no issue of the opposition being suppressed. It is just that they have run out of ideas and issues. They, therefore resolved to claim that they are being suppressed and oppressed,” added Abdul Karim who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister.