Army and police veterans group Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) has urged Pakatan Harapan component parties to stop bickering for ministerial positions.

“Patriot has observed that there is a minor discord within the ruling parties of Harapan after the naming of three key ministers.

“Patriot fully supports the decision of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in being swift and decisive, as it was crucial.

“While Patriot respects their right to dissent and respects their views, we would like to humbly remind the leaders in Pakatan Harapan that the victory as decided on May 9, 2018 was a Malaysian victory.

“[...] For the ruling political parties, the culture of selfish gain, of what’s in it for me amd my party, my own community, my own race is over,” said Patriot president Mohd Arshad Raji in a statement today.

On Saturday, two days after he was sworn in the prime minister, Mahathir had announced DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng as finance minister, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as home minister, and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu as defence minister.

Later that day, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli claimed that Mahathir had “bulldozed” the ministerial appointments without consulting PKR.

Rafizi’s open criticism caused an uproar, with some, like Subang MP Wong Chen and ex-foreign minister Rais Yatim supporting him but many critical of the timing of his comments.

 Patriot also urged Harapan to outsource assistance in their quest to rebuild the country.

"Tap those from outside politics who are very qualified and willing to serve not for money or glamour but with a genuine interest to help.

"Select them carefully and use them in the different levels, positions, and roles necessary for nation-building," Arshad added.