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PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal both accused the government of trying to distract the rakyat from more pressing matters.
Wan Fayhsal accused the government’s community communications department (J-Kom) of conducting psychological warfare by claiming that Perikatan Nasional politicians and government officials had met while on holiday in Dubai to discuss moves to unseat the Anwar government.
“They are creating diversions,” said Wan Fayhsal, who is MP for Machang.
Tuan Ibrahim said the claim was “an attempt to deceive the people” by drawing their attention away from what he described as the government’s failures in managing current issues, “whether the J-Kom issue, local elections, or statements from DAP leaders causing public concern.”
He said the government should do better “to focus on issues that concern the people, such as the flood problems that people are facing, the cost of living, and so on”.
Tuan Ibrahim said there should be respect for the privacy of opposition leaders who went on holiday with their families.
PAS Youth leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said he had not heard of any such “Dubai Move” as he was busy helping flood victims in his parliamentary constituency of Pasir Mas.
Bersatu’s head of information, Razali Idris, described the claim as a “stupid story” as Anwar already has the support of two-thirds of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.
J-Kom deputy director-general Ismail Yusop was reported by Berita Harian as saying a meeting was held to identify MPs who might be persuaded to switch support to the opposition.
“Why would J-Kom create such a rumour, it is unfounded,” said Wan Fayhsal. “I think the government is trying to distract the rakyat from more pressing matters. The diesel subsidy rationalisation (from Jan 1) is a problem, so they are creating diversions,” he said.
However, he alleged that there were “agents” trying to buy over opposition MPs to pledge support for the prime minister, with offers of constituency development funds to aid with additional flood relief.
“It is dirty tactics being employed by the powers that be. I am not accusing the prime minister, but his operators. Because they spoke about PMX,” Wan Fayhsal said. PMX is a popular term used to refer to Anwar as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.
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