GOMBAK – Perikatan Nasional (PN) appears to have adapted yet another trademark move from rival Pakatan Harapan (PH), with Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal appropriating the ‘Reformasi’ chant.
In a fiery speech at the PN grand finale ceramah in Taman Melawati here tonight, the Machang MP led the crowd of about 2,000 supporters in a chorus of ‘Referendum’.
Wan Fayhsal claimed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s signature slogan, which has been a longstanding tradition to shout out during his party PKR’s gatherings, has lost its meaning due to the formation of the unity government.
Previously, PN’s elections director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had posed with his hand raised in a fist outside the courthouse before he was charged under the Sedition Act.
The move was reminiscent of PKR president Anwar’s renowned pose during the party’s Reformasi era when it was the opposition.
Besides that, Wan Fayhsal also labeled Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil as the “minister of comedy,” as the Lembah Pantai MP had once leveled criticism against Selangor PN chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
“(Fahmi) said that he wants to end (Azmin’s) career, but tomorrow, we will be sure to see (Azmin) become an assemblyman again,” he said.
Voters from six states, including Selangor, will head to the ballot boxes tomorrow.
Taking to the stage, Azmin, who is PN’s Hulu Kelang candidate, led the crowd in a brief snippet of the Hoi Hoi Ya Hoi song which was previously used as part of PH’s campaign during the 15th general elections.
“They (PH) used to sing this song, but now, they are sitting in Putrajaya alongside criminals, liars and thieves,” he said.
He also assured that his potential loss tomorrow will not mean the end of his political journey.
“If I’m not given the mandate to represent the people tomorrow, maybe there is a hikmah (blessing in disguise) behind the situation.
“It will not be the finishing line for me. I may have my own mistakes and shortcomings, but I promise I will work on myself and continue to serve the people,” he said towards the end of his speech.
PN’s Perlis chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim pledged that the party will fight for the people’s freedom of speech.
“When PH was campaigning, they held demonstrations. When we were the opposition we never did that, we only debated in spaces which was allowed by the police,” he said.
“Now if you speak to much the police will be called to investigate. But we won’t let that scare us into silence.”
He also criticised PH for their announcement of billions of investments into the country during campaigns.
“PH said that our economy is growing, and the PM announced billions of investments into the country by foreign companies.
“But don’t let that fool you these are just announcements, these companies have yet to set up shop here.
“These billions of investments, will it bring the cost of living down?
“If they are serious about helping the people they will focus on what is affecting the rakyat the most,” he said.
PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin repeated his criticism of the federal administration.
“The people are now worried about the rising prices of goods and high costs of living. What we need is a government that can address these issues, but the Madani government with its empty promises is hopeless,” the former prime minister said.
Recalling the Covid-19 vaccines which the former PN government had rolled out, Muhyiddin said that those who received the vaccine then must now vote for PN.
“I enforced the movement control order as part of my responsibility as a leader. If I didn’t look after the people, I would be scared of Allah’d punishment.
“To those of you who have received the Covid-19 vaccine, it is wajib (required) for you to vote for PN now to remember our contributions to you.” – August 11, 2023