SSK: Why no DAP leader in the Pakatan top three?

(The Star) – Barisan Nasional lawmaker Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak (pic) has questioned why none of the highest posts in the Pakatan Harapan leadership structure went to a DAP leader despite the party having the most number of MPs in the coalition.

“Why is DAP not holding one of the top posts when it has the highest number of lawmakers in Pakatan?

“Are DAP being sidelined or was this an intentional move so that the Opposition pact is perceived to be dominated by the Malays?” the Communications and Multimedia Minister wrote in a blog post on Friday.

Salleh, who is also Umno treasurer-general, said there were other question marks on the leadership structure that was announced by Pribumi chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday night, following months of negotiations between the Opposition component parties.

He pointed out that among the top three positions in the coalition – that of advisor, chairman, and president – it was not stated who has the executive powers or final say in the decision-making process.

“As soon as they announced their leadership line-up, the Opposition offered political promises that they plan to fulfil within the first 100 days of coming to power.

“Instead of making continuous promises, it would be better for the Opposition to first name its choice of Prime Minister.

“It is very odd that when they are queried by reporters, its chairman answers: We declare the eighth prime minister first. The seventh one we will decide later,” said Salleh.

He added that regardless of the strategies employed by the Pakatan Harapan coalition, its arrival could not be compared to Barisan as the latter had a tested method of cooperation between the various races and tolerance among its leaders.

Pakatan announced its leadership line-up after the presidential council meeting Thursday night, and plans to finalise other details in its constitution before submitting its registration to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) in a week’s time.

The pact also unveiled its logo at the press conference held in the wee hours of Friday morning.