Transition plan more than just Dr M to Anwar, says PKR senator
Amid questions over the central figure in Pakatan Harapan's power transition plan, a PKR Senator today said the ongoing process should also look into furthering changes made since the last 14th general elections.
"The transition plan is not only about (PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim and (Prime Minister) Dr Mahathir Mohamad," said lawyer-turned-politician Yusmadi Yusoff.
Amid questions over the central figure in Pakatan Harapan's power transition plan, a PKR senator today said the ongoing process should also look into furthering changes made since the last 14th general elections.
"The transition plan is not only about (PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim and (Prime Minister) Dr Mahathir Mohamad," said lawyer-turned-politician Yusmadi Yusoff (above).
He said this during a talk on advancements of knowledge culture in Islam, hosted by the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisations (ISTAC) today.
Yusmadi, an adjunct professor at ISTAC, argued that continuity of changes introduced under Harapan rule should not be restricted to issues surrounding politics and power.
Pointing out Malaysia's success in initiating a peaceful transition of power between BN and Harapan, Yusmadi said ongoing policy reforms will put the country ahead of others undergoing more turbulent changes.
"It (the transition) is about a continuation of enlightened thought and continuation of new ideas.
"Not just in this region, the world is now looking at new political orders," said Yusmadi who cited ongoing developments in Tunisia with the election of President Kais Saied last week.
Kais is Tunisia's second elected president after the 2011 revolution that returned democracy after years of authoritarian rule.
Back in Malaysia, Yusmadi said new ideas could be generated, for example, on existing policies related to poverty eradication.
"We can say that our New Economic Policy is good. But to what extent?
"If in fact the final outcome is greater disparity (of income), then we will not be able to defend it," he said.
Speaking to reporters, Anwar reiterated his stand that questions surrounding the transition of power plans should not divert focus from addressing real issues faced by the people.
"The Harapan presidential council can discuss it (power transition) but we must focus on the economy and allow Dr Mahathir to lead the country effectively.
"We must move forward," said the Port Dickson MP.
Dr Mahathir, who is on an official trip to Azerbaijan, reaffirmed that he has no problems if the prime minister power transition issue was discussed by Harapan's presidential council.
Anwar, who earlier delivered an opening speech at the discussion session, yesterday said Malaysia's new nation-building narrative must focus on economic fundamentals rather than rhetoric of race or religion.
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