Sabah DAP fully supports the newly-elected MP for Permatang Pauh, Dato Sri Wan Azizah as the new Leader of Opposition. Azizah is defending the constituency of her husband, Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim who was also the Leader of Opposition, but now she is successfully elected, and poised to be the Leader of Opposition.
I acknowledge Wan Azizah’s qualifications, experience and leadership, moreover, she is no longer new to this post, as she used to take over the post under the similar circumstances when Anwar Ibrahim was imprisoned for the first time. But more importantly, the party that she leads is a secular party.
Before the candidacy for the new Leader of Opposition becomes obvious , the Parliamentary Leader of DAP, Lim Kit Siang is the person with highest hope to take over the post. Indeed, amongst the Pakatan Rakyat Members of Parliament, whether in experiences or qualifications, Lim Kit Siang is the most veteran one. he is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate. Yet he backs Wan Azizah to succeed Anwar Ibrahim as the Leader of Opposition, therefore Sabah DAP will also second the decision of Lim Kit Siang.
Lim Kit Siang in his earlier press statement has said that, the by-election of Permatang Pauh has served as the lessons for the member parties of Pakatan Rakyat, that is, the utmost task for Pakatan Rakyat now is to regain the faith, expectation and trust of those voters that voted for Pakatan Rakyat during the 13th General Election. And I totally agree with Lim Kit Siang’s view.
During the by-election of Permatang Pauh, we saw that certain sabotage acts are brewing within Permatang Pauh Division of PAS, and this brings damaging effects on Pakatan Rakyat’s public image and the faith of the voters to it. Even though Wan Azizah has won the election with brilliant result, but PAS should be censured for such acts.
As what has been stated by Lim Kit Siang, Azizah’s triumph at the by-election of Permatang Pauh is the prelude for the inclusive politics. The people, across the ethnics, religions and regions, have reject exclusive politics and lying politics that practised by monolithic racial-religious unit.
Wan Azizah is the cohesive leader, time has proves that she is the politician that can endure challenges and suffering, when Anwar Ibrahim was politically persecuted for the first time, she managed to achieve much in politics outside the jail. Pakatan Rakyat needs such kind of leader, but not those people who are arrogant, act unauthorised in order to follow personal agenda, and neglecting other member parties.
It is understandable that PAS is backing their party chairman, Hadi Awang to be the next Leader of Opposition, but the candidate for this post is still need to be determined by DAP and PKR.