Santiago to Dr M: We are all equal Malaysian citizens
Pakatan Harapan backbencher Charles Santiago has brushed off an apparent jibe at him by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Klang MP has also maintained his stance that Mahathir ought to stop making unilateral decisions, and instead discuss controversial issues in the Harapan presidential council before bringing them to the cabinet...
Pakatan Harapan backbencher Charles Santiago has brushed off an apparent jibe at him by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Klang MP has also maintained his stance that Mahathir ought to stop making unilateral decisions, and instead discuss controversial issues in the Harapan presidential council before bringing them to the cabinet.
The premier recently joked that he would consult Santiago before making decisions in the future as they were “equals”.
Asked about this today, Santiago said he welcomed any consultations with Mahathir.
“We are Malaysians, we are all of the same status.
[...] Of course I will be happy to (meet and discuss issues with the prime minister).
“I will wait for the phone call (from him),” he told the press on the sidelines of the National Water Services Commission (Span) seminar on river pollution in Petaling Jaya this morning.
Santiago, who is the Span chairperson, then reiterated his proposal.
“What I proposed was a way to reduce problems among the people.
“[...] All other countries have internal discussions. After these internal discussions and after everyone can accept the views brought forward, and after there is an understanding, then they bring the issue to the cabinet.
“I’m not talking about all issues, only the ones which are controversial,” he added.
The Harapan administration has been rocked in recent weeks by the public uproar over contentious issues like the implementation of khat (Jawi calligraphy) in schools, and whether to allow Lynas to continue operating in Malaysia.
Santiago previously engaged in a spat with Education Minister Maszlee Malik after the latter criticised him for claiming Mahathir often acted unilaterally.
Maszlee had accused him of uttering a "blatant lie" as the PM had always consulted his cabinet on issues.
Santiago responded by denying he was a liar, urging the minister to focus on his portfolio.
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