KUALA LUMPUR: The opposition pact should have utilised its meeting with European Union (EU) ambassadors to raise issues on palm oil boycott in the European market in 2021, instead of personal and political interests.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said as the opposition’s prime minister candidate, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had led the pact during the meeting should have displayed a sense of responsibility towards national interests.
Abdul Rahman, who is also Barisan Nasional Strategic Communications director, said Dr Mahathir’s action was not in line with his calls to champion people-centric issues including those of Felda settlers.
“The opposition had been saying that they have been championing Felda issues. But upon having the opportunity to meet EU ambassadors, the opposition did not raise the palm oil (boycott) issue, and use the meeting for their personal interests,” Abdul Rahman said when contacted by BH.
Abdul Rahman added that he was slighted by Dr Mahathir who had then used the meeting to tarnish the country’s image.
“Dr Mahathir only raised issues on clean and fair elections, election monitoring and 1Malaysia Development Berhad, which has been recycled by the opposition.
“His actions have indirectly tarnished the country’s name.
“Hence, the people need to evaluate Dr Mahathir. Should he return as country’s prime minister if the opposition wins the next general election?”