JOHOR BARU: The recent moves by some members of Parliament (MP) from Perikatan Nasional (PN) to declare their support to the unity government, is seen as a new political norm and practice of cheap politics.
Johor PN deputy chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said changing allegiance due to weak narratives and the unity government's tendency to pressure opposition representatives into supporting them would threaten the country's democratic values.
"Johor PN views the current developments as a new and unhealthy political norm, posing a threat to democracy, while denying the rights of the people who made their choices in the last General Election (GE) solely to ensure Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim retains his position as prime minister.
"We also question why the unity government values an opposition member of Parliament so cheaply by politicising allocations that are rightfully the people's but instead are used to pressurise opponents for support.
"The government should focus more on working, striving, and demonstrating achievements in nation-building and improving the well-being of the people to remain in power, rather than using negative tactics to suppress the opposition.
"The government needs to stop suppressing opposition parties and not punish the people collectively just because Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates lost in GE15, when in reality, the defeat was largely due to PH itself," he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Jeli MP from Bersatu Zahari Kechik followed in the footsteps of the Gua Musang MP Mohd Azizi Abu Naim by announcing his support for the Madani government.
Azizi declared his full support for the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday.
On Oct 12, Bersatu MP from Kuala Kangsar, Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, decided to express support for Anwar after examining the continued grievances of voters.
This was followed by Labuan MP Datuk Dr. Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Bersatu), declaring support for Anwar and Sabah Chief Minister cum Chairman of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, on Oct 31.
In the meantime, Mohd Solihan said this type of destructive, low-quality politics needed to be curtailed because the role of MPs is not just about small projects and helping residents in need in their areas.
Instead, these MPs who switch their allegiance need to look at broader issues, including economic policies, educational interests, and the future of Islam and the socio-economic well-being of the Malay community.
"Members of Parliament also need to be aware of state development implementation to solve people's issues such as job opportunities, affordable housing needs, and addressing other social issues.
"Therefore, they should not easily be obsessed with minor issues that can be managed by various government agencies and should not be used as an excuse to offer full support to the prime minister.
"Johor PN is also not convinced that such full support will change the areas represented by the defected opposition party, given the significant development and resolution of all issues," he said.
