‘Engage the opposition to lower political temperature’
KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher has proposed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim engage the opposition to lower the political temperature and mitigate hate politics in the country.
PKR’s Pasir Gudang member of parliament Hassan Karim said although hate politics only affected politicians and their followers, and not the people, the situation was unhealthy for the country’s political landscape.
Citing the parliamentary sitting as an example, Hassan said hate politics in the country had aggravated due to a lack of leadership to promote civil exchanges among elected representatives in the Lower House.
“In Parliament, there is no leadership to encourage the harmonious and civil exchange of ideas among politicians. Ordinary people do not like such confrontational approaches as they want to live peacefully.
“It is only some narrow-minded politicians and their supporters who cannot tolerate differences in ideas.
“This is part of democracy, which, at times, can be very noisy. But hate politics is really unhealthy for the country’s political landscape,” Hassan said.
He was asked to comment on the statement made by Anwar, who expressed his concern about hate politics in the country.
At the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday morning, Anwar said hate politics in the country had become “too strong”.
Hassan said by extending an olive branch and engaging with opposition leaders, Anwar could lower the political temperature in the country.
“Since we are the government, let us find ways to resolve the situation and not blame others for hate politics.”
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man claimed that Anwar’s statement on hate politics was not entirely accurate.
“This is not hate politics but rather the reality of politics triggered by the people.
“The grievances and criticisms made by the people must be carefully examined and listened to, not just denied,” the Kubang Kerian member of parliament said.