“The government's 3R (race, religion, and royalty) restriction should not have been so broad,” said Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
As a former prime minister, Dr. Mahathir, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is supposed to have had a greater understanding of the situation.
After the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Unity dinner for Al-Aqsa, he told New Straits Times, "He should have known better when it comes to 3R, and perhaps he is deliberately disputing and questioning the matter for his personal interest." said Zahid.
Zahid claimed that during the 22 years he served as prime minister, Dr. Mahathir used the Internal Security Act (ISA) to arbitrarily jail anyone who held opposing opinions.
"I was one of the victims," Zahid admitted.
Explained Zahid, three issues covered by the government's ban should not be questioned since they have a bearing on principles contained in the Federal Constitution.
Dr. Mahathir also stated that the government does not have the authority to halt it if it does not address issues of national security.
Regarding politics, Zahid argued that Umno does not need to cooperate with PAS in order to resurrect the Muafakat Nasional (MN).
"To cooperate, sincerity is crucial, not manipulation. For those full of tricks, I don't think that we should revisit the cooperation," said Zahid.
Earlier today, Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was quoted by FMT as saying that the party is prepared to pursue the 'penyatuan ummah (ummah unification)' program with Umno.
He expressed this in spite of Umno's intention to join Pakatan Harapan in the unity government.
In his comments, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, a former member of the supreme council, called for the revival of the MN spirit, particularly between the two parties. Tuan Ibrahim was replying to his remarks.
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