Hadi says Opposition has a right to plan govt’s ouster

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 — PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang today asserted that the Opposition bloc has a “right” to make plans that can topple the government of the day.

The Marang MP added that no one can stop them from doing so.

“We have the right to plan, no one can stop us from planning,” Hadi told reporters in Parliament.

He was responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who referred to talks of the unity government falling as delirious.

When asked if there are plans to topple the government anytime soon, Hadi said it was something of the norm that happens in a country that practices democracy.

“That is a political statement that commonly happens in politics, no-confidence vote, get statutory declaration (SD), supporters defection — normal for it to occur.

“And we see that there are signs showing in the unity government of the day, the sentiments of unhappiness among the component parties. That is present.

“So that is why it’s not something impossible. In a country of democracy it can,” he added.

He also said that the Royal decree which asked for stabilisation of the government is not a final say.

"The Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s statement is not a final say that can prevent change in a country of democracy,” he said adding that the country’s Constitution upheld democracy, there is no contradiction.

Despite Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) stating their stand to remain as Opposition, Hadi said those were merely preliminary statements made.

“It is normal in a democratic country, we work towards (taking over the government) not only through the general election but also through Parliament.

"That is just a preliminary statement, and statements change, politics is dynamic,” he said.

On Friday, following Hadi’s remarks in Parliament during the Budget 2023 debate speech (on Thursday) where he hinted at the fall of the unity government, Anwar had referred to the Marang MP as being delirious.

Anwar had then said it was up to Hadi who is also the Perikatan Nasional deputy president to make such plans.