KUALA LUMPUR: The opposition coalition should fight to uphold democracy instead of fussing over who would be in power next post-general election, said a civil rights activist.
Saari Sungib, who is Otai Reformasi president, said parties in the Pakatan Harapan should prioritise this rather than fighting over power – if they do take over Putrajaya.
“Right now there are four parties under the Pakatan umbrella and what each party needs to do is to sit down together to make decisions together instead of fighting for their own agendas.
“What I am worried about is that there will be leaders in the party who will give up and just agree with the majority without voicing their opinions,” he said.
Saari, who is also Selangor Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) deputy president, said the ideal situation would be for Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is the opposition leader now, to make the final decision.
“That is my idea. I think that would be the best for the coalition now if we do make it to Putrajaya.
“Whatever happens, there must be a line-up in the coalition who will serve as the check and balance,” he said.
Responding to question whether former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should contest in the coming general elections, Saari said the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman must contest if he wants to be an MP.
“I don’t think he has an interest to be the prime minister again, at this age especially. But I’m sure he knows that he cannot avoid contesting if he wants to be an MP.
“If he does become the next PM, my ideal scenario then is that Otai Reformasi be appointed as check and balance.
“I would like for us to be the intermediary between the people and the politicians,” he added.
Saari also said that it is now time for both the Barisan Nasional (BN) and opposition coalition to change its leaders as many have been around for almost 60 years.
“To have real change, we need to give way to younger leaders to take the lead in making the changes.
“The only problem now is that, the younger generation has a very negative impression on politicians.
“To them, politicians are ruthless and greedy for power. We need to change these mindsets in order for changes to take place,” he said.
Saari added that he had called for a meeting with the Otai Reformasi members this Sunday to discuss their stand on whether they would place their support for Wan Azizah’s decision over Dr Mahathir's possible contest.