KUALA LUMPUR – Those with “political myopia and cataracts” need a reality check, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, when asked about certain parties which are eager to seize power and topple the current administration.
“Get your ‘eyes’ checked,” he said in jest during a press conference after launching the Orchid wing at OasisEye Specialist here.
“We’ve had enough of this topsy-turvy (political) environment. We have gone through a lot of changes (in recent years) and experienced the negative effects that came with it. We do not want a repeat of that,” he said, possibly referring to several changes in government in a single election term.
“I’ve heard talks about the government toppling every week and every month. Enough of that,” he added.
He added that the authorities are investigating those who are stoking such sentiments and action will be taken if they break the law.
When asked about the fixed-term parliament suggestion floated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Fahmi said the idea had been discussed in cabinet but nothing has been decided yet.
“The cabinet has discussed a fixed-term parliament, its needs and what is being practised in other countries. It is still early talks, with nothing specific to be brought to Parliament.
“In some countries, anti-hopping laws go hand in hand with fixed-term parliament legislation. We need something firm for national stability.”
Fahmi then reiterated Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg’s statement that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should continue helming the country until the end of the current parliamentary term.
Talk of the Langkah Dubai plot had circulated on social media last month, but Community Communications Department (J-Kom) Deputy Director-General Datuk Ismail Yusop on December 29 became the first official figure to comment on it, saying the move to topple the Madani government was in motion.
Among Ismail’s claims were that, in addition to Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin were colluding with the opposition, utilising “foreign and local sources” to change the government.
On Friday, police summoned four individuals to record their statements about the alleged Langkah Dubai plot to topple the unity government, following 145 police reports on the matter.
Those summoned were Ismail, Bersatu’s Badrul Hisham Shaharin (Chegubard), as well as controversial bloggers Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris (Papagomo), and Salim Iskandar.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who confirmed the summons in a statement, also said an investigation paper had been opened regarding the claim that the opposition PN had offered a RM1 billion bribe to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to support a change of government.
PN figures and Dr Mahathir have denied the existence of such a plot as well as supposed attempts to bribe the Agong. – Scoop January 14, 2024
