MELAKA, Nov 11 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook has challenged Barisan Nasional (BN) to withdraw from the unity government if it is unhappy with the current administration, while arguing that the coalition is unlikely to do so because of the political influence it enjoys in government.
Speaking at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) ceramah in Ayer Keroh, Loke was responding to BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call for an early general election rather than a fresh Cabinet appointment.
Loke Challenges BN
Loke claimed BN wanted to retain its positions in government as losing those roles would also mean losing influence. He stressed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim still commands majority support and holds the mandate to govern.
“If you don’t like it, you can leave the government,” Loke said.
The former transport minister, who resigned over the Pardons Board’s decision involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, also stressed the principle of collective responsibility among governing parties.
Addressing voters ahead of Melaka’s Saturday polls, Loke urged them to keep BN in check and avoid allowing the coalition to become complacent.
Loke Challenges BN
