KUALA LUMPUR: Unity government leaders were reminded to uphold the values of unity and refrain from politicising sensitive issues for personal or partisan gain, amid growing public concern over recent political remarks.
The call was made by PKR deputy information chief Siti Aishah Shaik Ismail, who said matters that have become sensationalised recently should not be treated as political jokes, even if expressed as individual opinions, as they risk eroding public trust and respect.
“I would like to remind leaders from parties in the unity government to always safeguard the values of unity that we have built together,” she said in a statement.
She cautioned against dragging the public into political disputes, stressing that the people should not be used as bargaining chips amid political differences.
“I urge all leaders not to treat the people as political commodities by pulling them into ongoing political conflicts.
“Regardless of the justification or claims that a statement is personal in nature, respect for the rakyat must never be compromised,” she said.
She said leaders should instead be willing to acknowledge mistakes, accept criticism and work towards improvement without resorting to threats or using the government as a shield.
“It must be remembered that governance and politics are two different matters. Both should cultivate respect from the people, not undermine it,” she said.
She said political maturity within the government must signal a new direction for the public, rather than continuing patterns associated with irresponsible political behaviour.
Calling for a renewed focus on nation-building, she urged all leaders to prioritise policies and governance that directly benefit the people.
“Let us focus on building the nation and implementing government policies so that they reach the rakyat.
“Politics should not be treated as personal property.”
She said leaders should not take pleasure in the suffering of others and instead concentrate on their responsibilities.
“This is the time to work, not to engage in irritating politics that does nothing to foster maturity,” she said, citing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s oft-quoted reminder that one should not ‘build palaces on graves’.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
