Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi
SIBU: The opposition pact or Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) move to revive its shadow cabinet is nothing more than a gimmick to mislead people into believing that they are united, suggested State BN Secretary-General Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi.
He suggested this yesterday in response to opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s statement on their intended revival of the shadow cabinet to strengthen its check and balance system.
Bernama quoted Wan Azizah as stating that the shadow cabinet would be implemented after having discussions and obtaining the joint agreement of the three political parties in the Pakatan Rakyat namely the PKR, PAS and DAP.
To this, Dr Rundi, who who is Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications), said: “They did try earlier to form shadow cabinet however, never materialised.
“I doubt it would this time, with the differences that they have to come to term with each party agenda ….that is just try to mislead rakyat to believe that they are united.”
Kakus assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Local Government Datuk John Sikie Tayai expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the shadow cabinet.
“l am not very sure how effective is the shadow cabinet …it had been formed in Putrajaya and also had been formed in Sarawak here by the opposition.
“If it is to be formed to strengthen its check and balance system it is alright…but if it is formed just to criticise the government of the day without giving any constructive ideas and then it is useless.
“So far, and as far as l know it has not been successful in its role to play as a shadow cabinet,” Sikie noted.
Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Youth Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was good to hear Dr Wan Azizah was coming up with her shadow cabinet.
“This way I believe they could be more focus and reliable. The people could also make their judgement on the Pakatan “cabinet ministers”,” Abdul Karim added.
“Before this and when Anwar was the opposition leader, the opposition in Parliament was just like a bunch of rascals,” he suggested.
“There is no “cabinet” and “ministries” though they have a leader, who manages his team like a lawless street fighter…,” he added.