MARANG: Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang is leaving it to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to decide on whether he is given a Cabinet position.
"I will not demand any position or special treatment. In fact, I am not thrilled about being chosen (for a position in Cabinet, unlike some politicians)," he said on whether he has been offered a senior position in Cabinet.
"I did not make it compulsory for me to be chosen to fill the Deputy Prime Minister’s post. It is alright even if I remain a fisherman," he told a press conference after his weekly tazkirah at the Rusila mosque here, today.
However, he said that the Prime Minister could choose anyone senior and experienced to fill positions in his Cabinet, and should consider a multi-racial group of appointees, even if it means appointing representatives of ‘minority’ parties in Parliament, such as MCA or MIC.
"The Prime Minister should also include representatives from East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) in his Cabinet.
"Pas has given the concept (on criteria) to choose members of Cabinet. We are together, but we are not demanding (any position)," he added.
Abdul Hadi said the Prime Minister should focus on solving the spiralling cost of living, the weakening economy and social issues.
"These are pressing issues that need immediate attention," he added.
He also pointed out that the social media fraternity must respect the due process of the law and refrain from becoming ‘judge’ and ‘executioner’.
"Respect the court and judicial process and do not pass judgement on ongoing cases," he said, adding that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
Hadi was referring to attempts by people on social media to vilify certain characters highlighted in the present political scenario.
He said Pas has been consistent in its statements on the selection of Cabinet ministers – that the chosen ones must be people with integrity, professional and clean.
He also said that Perikatan Nasional should proceed with implementing good policies introduced by Pakatan Harapan and remove policies that were impossible to implement.
"We have to be fair to the leaders and the people."
“l also advised PH by giving an anecdote about how the coalition should not throw stones on a house built of glass.
"We are not all perfect," he added.
Hadi also called on everyone to respect the decision made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the appointment of Muhyiddin, saying that the King made his decision democratically.
"Those who are against the decision are against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he added.
