Best to let people decide

KUCHING: The extent of public backing for United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) will only be decided during the next General Election (GE), said George Lam Li Kang.

The DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Kuching chief stated that it is still too early to assess public support vis-a vis the current government.

“I feel that if the people truly want UMNO to be detached from DAP, it will be seen in the results of the election,” he said in a press conference at the DAP Headquarters here Tuesday.

The recent Kemaman Parliamentary by-election results saw the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate defeated as PAS retained control. Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) candidate, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, won with a majority of 37,220 votes after securing 64,998 votes. Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate General (R) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor only received 27,778 votes.

Subsequently, former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad suggested that this showed a decline in public backing for UMNO. He encouraged the party to detach itself from DAP and recommit to the cause of the nation, race and religion to rekindle public support. 

“We have a deep respect for Dr Mahathir as a statesman, but it is now time for him to let the younger generation take the lead in decision-making.

“Furthermore the current Unity Government represents all races.

“Let the people be the judge, including whether UMNO should separate from DAP or vice versa. In my opinion, he (Mahathir) still wants to remain relevant in politics despite his waning years,” he added.

Lam expressed confidence in the effective governance under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Anwar is also paying attention to certain states affected by floods, such as Kelantan and Terengganu. So I also feel that instead of politicking, it is better for us to think about how to help the people,” he said.