Monday, December 31, 2018

MTUC Penang Division is shocked with the PPBM vice-president Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman's stand that elections must be won by "hook or crook"! And, by extention, doing it by rewarding PPBM divisional chiefs with government hand-outs, is even more digusting! To imply that, as a component party of the Pakatan Harapan government, it would be justified to do do is devoid of sense!

The victory of 14th general elections was as a result of the collective desire of the people to oppose the culture of patronage, amongst other issues, that was embedded during the Barisan National regime. We, the citizens of the country, elected for change minus croynism. It was our hope that this country would embark on a fresh path of transparency and accountability. It was our aspiration that the country would be in the hands of those who subscribe to the ideals of democratic rules and practices. The misplaced affirmation of leaders like Abdul Rashid is but a dis-service to the hopes of the people of this country.

If elections are to be won by "hook or crook" is it suggested that it ought to be achieved by, say, rigging elections with dubious electoral rolls? Or worst still by buying votes through enriching divisional chiefs? Isn't such a proposition going against the very grain of concerns raised by the people and the collective leadership of the Pakatan Harapan government? On all account it would be a disaster if the Pakatan Harapan leadership does not rebutt the position taken by Abdul Rashid.

K.Veeriah
Secretary MTUC Penang Division
016 4184520
30.12.2018