(New Straits Times) – Pas spoke yesterday of Pakatan Rakyat being afflicted by weaknesses, thus distracting it from outdoing Barisan Nasional by better governing the states under its rule.
This straight talk by Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang came in the wake of rare blustery directed at Pakatan by fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin for not honouring its campaign promises.
Addressing the Second Pakatan Rakyat convention here, Hadi made references to the much vaunted “new politics” espoused by the loose grouping.
He said the credo would prove meaningless if Pakatan failed to provide a superior administration in Pakatan-ruled states.
“This is the biggest challenge if we are to become a force to be reckoned with.”
Hadi cited “constant attacks” by BN as a reason for Pakatan losing sight of the bigger goal.
“We own up to our weaknesses,” said Hadi, who indicated to this gathering that BN was doing a better job at managing its problems.
“As such, I appeal to those working to bring changes to the country to do so more meaningfully for the benefit of the future generation.”
Present were Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
Also present were the menteris besar of Pakatan-led states.
Dr Wan Azizah was in a defiant mood when addressing the media later, saying the convention proved that Pakatan parties were not on the verge of splitting up due to internal problems.
“Such claims are not true. Contrary to that, we are united and this convention proved we are still strong.”
The mood at the one-day convention, which attracted some 2,000 delegates at Dewan Millenium here,was set when Lim took to the stage first and warned Umno against hijacking the Federal Constitution and playing up relations between DAP and Pas.
He called on Pakatan parties to stand united.
Raja Petra had earlier this month reiterated his disappointment at Pakatan’s lack of commitment towards reforms.
After reprimanding his most recognisable political ally, Anwar, at a London forum on Oct 2 for not honouring campaign promises, the fugitive blogger wrote recently: “But what is Pakatan Rakyat’s excuse? “Pakatan Rakyat talks about reforms. But what reforms are they themselves introducing?”
Keeping up the pressure last week, Raja Petra wrote that Pakatan was not fit to govern the country.
He said he was in a position where when delivering a “small slap” to Pakatan, it would “scream that I have been bought over by Umno or Najib (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak)”.
“Sheesh, macam ini nak memerintah negarakah? (is this how you want to govern the country?)”
