By Danial Dzulkifly
AMPANG, Aug 4 — The incoming Selangor administration should be led by parties aligned with the Unity Government to ensure political stability and continuous growth of the state, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Amirudin, who is also the Selangor Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) state chairman, emphasised the need for political alignment similar to the current situation where long-time rivals, Harapan and Barisan Nasional (BN), have set aside their differences to form the Federal government, bringing stability to the country.
He pointed out that the current composition of parties within the Unity Government, which also includes representation from Sabah and Sarawak, reflects the multicultural values of the country.
“We are creating a new political alignment where five coalitions have come together to form the current Unity Government.
“This is the future of our country, where these coalitions, representing all races and communities, have come together to discuss and resolve issues for the betterment of the country,” said Amirudin during the Jelajah Madani campaign held in Kg Tasik Tambahan, here last night.
Amirudin also criticised political rival Perikatan Nasional (PN), claiming that it was ambitious to form alliances with other parties to gain power but has failed in its attempts.
“PN is also ambitious to create a giant coalition with numerous parties. That’s why it is named Perikatan (alliance), but as time passes, maybe ‘pertikaian’ (dispute) would be more suited for it,” said Amirudin in jest, referring to PN’s supposed infighting, especially among component parties PAS and Gerakan during the state election campaign period.
Amirudin also pointed out that Bersatu and PAS have a poor track record of working together with their political allies, citing the defunct Pakatan Rakyat coalition, where disagreements between DAP and PAS led to the latter’s departure.
“Similarly, in the case of Muafakat Nasional, we witnessed PAS abandoning Umno. And as for Bersatu, it didn’t fare any better as it also clashed with its partners in Harapan when it was in the government with us in 2018, and later with Umno when PN formed the Federal government.
“Surely, if it were voted in to lead the state, political instability would return,” said Amirudin.
Highlighting Selangor’s success, where the state now contributes 25.5 per cent to the national economy, Amirudin acknowledged the contributions of both BN and Harapan in developing the state.
He emphasised that the state’s progress was built upon the work of previous administrations, including both BN and Harapan.
“We (Harapan) continued the work from where BN left off in 2008 to achieve the progress we see today.
“We (Harapan) have worked with PAS in Pakatan Rakyat and in 2018 with Bersatu under Harapan, and, God willing, in 2023, we will create history with our allies under the Unity Government,” he said.
