Pas To Pm Replace Home Minister Before Situation Deteriorates

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Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s broadside against PAS and its president Abdul Hadi Awang has been described as tone-deaf, prompting the party to suggest that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim replace him.
Zeroing in on the Pakatan Harapan leader’s media statement, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that it was riddled with shortcomings.
“This raises the question about the level of his (Saifuddin’s) emotional stability, and therefore his eligibility to continue as a cabinet minister,” he added in a statement this evening.
He was referring to Saifuddin’s statement yesterday, calling the Islamist party’s muktamar “the pinnacle of politics of hate” and questioning if the party “has lost Allah’s mercy”.
Saifuddin also painted PAS as hypocrites who fantasised about seizing power but were devoid of ideas on tackling society’s problems and instead sowed hatred among the people.
Interestingly, Takiyuddin (above) also appeared to take a potshot at DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok, without mentioning her name, when he referred to “language and writing applications”.
DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok“Those who use the national language would be confronted with difficulties in understanding the heading of his (Saifuddin’s) statement because of the poor command of the language, apart from showcasing the author’s confusion.
“As a minister who is assisted by a retinue of officers, surely the public can expect a higher standard of the language, more so in the clarity of the intended message.
“In this context, PAS hopes the minister involved does not blame others or language and writing applications for the glaring weaknesses,” he added.
On Monday, Kok claimed that a mistranslation led to confusion over her recent remarks on halal certification, resulting in a misunderstanding.
She said that her original statement issued in Mandarin had been translated into Malay by a colleague using ChatGPT due to time constraints.
‘Abuse of power and insolence’
Takiyuddin also pointed out that the press statement was signed off by Saifuddin as a minister and in the capacity of a Harapan leader.
“The question is since when can both these positions be combined in an official statement using the ministry’s letterhead?
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail“Is the line that separates official government duties and political roles set aside and no longer respected under Anwar’s administration?
“Does this give the impression that mixing government and political functions, which is a form of abuse of power, will continue and become a permanent feature of the government?” he asked.
Takiyuddin also accused the minister of setting aside protocol, manners, and ethics, which are prerequisites in government administration, by referring to the PAS president as “Hadi Awang or Abdul Hadi Awang” instead of “Tan Sri Dato Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang”.
“This is insolent and disrespectful, not only to the individual involved but also to those who conferred the titles,” he added.
‘Exposing ministry to legal action’
On the whole, the PAS leader said Saifuddin’s remarks against the party and its president would remain as mere accusations in the absence of evidence.
“Unfortunately, the accusations are made by a minister in an official statement. Surely, the public will ask that, given his position as the home minister, is it not his responsibility to pursue these allegations in court if the government has evidence.
“Making allegations without an investigation and prosecution is not something a minister should do, especially the home minister who is responsible for the security and peace of the country.
PAS muktamar in Temerloh, Pahang“On the contrary, it is a clear dereliction of duty and responsibility. Furthermore, making an allegation without evidence can be considered as slander which exposes the ministry to legal action,” he added.
More qualified leader needed
Based on the issues highlighted, Takiyuddin said PAS believes Saifuddin is no longer qualified to remain in his position.
“The latest development in the party (PKR) he represents, especially his role as the secretary-general, confirms the doubts regarding his eligibility.
“Therefore, it is only responsible if the prime minister takes a similar position and replaces him with a more qualified leader to be the home minister before the situation worsens,” he added.
On Sunday, it was announced that Saifuddin has stepped down as PKR secretary-general with former Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh taking over. - Mkini

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