KOTA KINABALU: The call for a political ceasefire is not a desperate move by the government to stay in power, says Ceasar Mandela Malakun, vice-chief of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Youth wing, Armada.
“After all, the general election must be held in July next year at the latest. By then, politicians can pursue their political agenda all they want. But right now, the focus should be on the people,” he added.
A political ceasefire was the right move to make if political parties were sincere in wanting the best for the people, he said.
“If it’s true, as most of the leaders claim, that the people’s agenda is their top priority, then the government’s bipartisan offer must be accepted in good faith as proof,” he said.
He also urged all parties to set aside their political differences and accept the government’s bipartisan offer.“Don’t just say no to everything. The Opposition needs to be functioning by thinking deeply about the best solutions to this impasse,” Mandela said, noting that the country was facing health, economic and political crises that called for sensible solutions.
He also stressed that the Opposition had to be prudent and have the moral duty to help overcome these challenges.
“It doesn’t help if all they are interested in is taking over the office of the prime minister,” he said.
He added that the existing check and balance system between the government and the Opposition was the best way forward given the nation is still battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
The focus, Mandela added, must be on restoring the nation’s health and economy as a united front, and not on changing the government.
