Thursday, June 19, 2008

THURSDAY-19TH JUNE 2008- BARISAN COMPONENT LEADERS STAND BY PRIME MINISTER




Barisan component leaders stand by Prime Minister


KUALA LUMPUR:


Barisan Nasional component leaders vowed to stand steadfastly with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in light of the announcement by Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) yesterday that a vote of no confidence will be tabled against the Prime Minister in Parliament next week. MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said what the country needed now was political and economic stability as the country and the people were going through very challenging times. “It would be best that all of us, both the BN and the Pakatan Rakyat, accept the results of the 12th General Election. Our priority should be to continue to work hard to fulfill our election pledges, restore confidence and stability for the nation,” he said in a statement. SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee said that his party had lost confidence in Abdullah and the SAPP’s two Members of Parliament would support the motion to be brought up in Parliament on Monday. Meanwhile, Gerakan Acting President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the party would not support such a move as forcing a vote of no confidence in such a manner was not positive and constructive. “Malaysia is currently facing severe challenges from the global fuel and food crisis as well as the economic uncertainties. Hence, it is crucial to sustain the solidarity and stability of the Federal Government by our Prime Minister to overcome these challenges and to implement reforms,” he said in a statement. He said Gerakan was surprised by the announcement and felt that such a drastic political move would only add to the uncertainty, disrupting efforts in reforms. “I can still remember Yong announcing in May a deadline of August for the Prime Minister and Federal Government to address the grievances of the Sabah people,” he said.