Youth group calls for opposition figures to put aside their egos

(The Star) – The country needs a stronger opposition coalition to ensure that its political process remains democratic.

A group of 146 youths, calling themselves Anak Muda, said that the recent internal feuds that have unravelled Pakatan Rakyat showed the need for a new opposition coalition.

“The opposition parties need to be consistent in putting the needs of the people first as the foundation of their coalition and put away their differences to achieve change (in the country),” says Mandeep Singh, the group’s spokesman for today’s press conference.

Mandeep said that Anak Muda felt that the current opposition parties have been too “egocentric” to their own parties.

“The failure to deal with their egocentrism has given a new lifeline to Barisan Nasional,” he said, adding that Malaysia needs a two-party system so that there is check and balance within the administration of the country.

He added that the group is also calling for political parties to be more inclusive to all, including in accepting views and ideas from non-governmental organisations and youths in the country.

“There is no more room for the idea that the leaders know everything in the current political landscape,” he said.

Syukri Razab, another member of Anak Muda, said that the group is disappointed with the recent feuds between the opposition parties.

“The opposition parties should be ashamed of their shenanigans,” said Syukri, adding that Pakatan Rakyat has toyed with the trust of those who has voted for them.

Anak Muda is also asking for the opposition parties to meet up with them in 14 days to hear the views of the youths in the country.