Himpunan rally: Taib’s men ‘shocked’ and divided
A federal-leaning Sarawak MP has warned Pakatan Rakyat that it is playing with fire with such rallies.
Joseph Tawie, FMT
KUCHING: Chef Minister Taib Mahmud’s Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) party is divided in its view of the mammoth Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat rally in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday.
Whilst some see the rally as the people rising to demand change, others have condemned it outright.
The divided views are perhaps indicative of aging Taib’s personal struggles to keep in check his federal-leaning party leaders.
PBB deputy information chief Peter Minos, when contacted, described the rally as a “wakeup call”.
“It is a wake-up call for us. Do not underestimate the strength of the opposition.
“We should be wary of the threat from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat pact in the coming general election.
“I was surprised the organisers could draw a big crowd which I could see from a distance, and they are mostly Pakatan supporters.”
Minos went on to add that the rally turnout showed that the opposition alliance was a force to be reckoned with.
Another PBB insider, who declined to be named, said peninsular-based Umno and BN reports had in the past given the impression that the “situation was under control”.
“But I am shocked at the crowd. The blogs are full of ground reports and they all cannot be lying.
“Umno intelligence have been downplaying the opposition’s strength. Najib (Tun Razak) must take note of this,” the insider said.
Pakatan playing with fire
Meanwhile three other PBB leaders, rumoured to be Umno-leaning, have condemned the rally organisers.
PBB secretary-general Stephen Rundi said street demonstrations did not augur well for the country’s prevailing peace, political stability and economic prosperity.
“I don’t agree with the trend of politics as we have law and order as well as proven system to safeguard the nation and its sovereignty.
“We have full confidence in the system which also protects the opposition.
“Hence, going to the street and staging demonstrations will only cause chaos and disorder or even worse, ruin our harmony and the future of our beloved country, especially our economy, deterring foreign investors from coming,” he said.
