The Malaysian Insight

MALAYSIANS never say no to a free meal yet at Bersatu’s Hari Raya open house in Malacca yesterday, food was the last thing on their minds.

The crowd was there for one purpose: to sign up with the newest party in the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition.

Many had queued up from 6pm and lined up to sign up as a member of Bersatu and enjoy the Raya fare at the event.

Lissa Lay, 46, from Sungai Udang, said she didn’t believe the accusations hurled by Umno leaders against former prime minister and Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad and came to sign up to show support.

“I don’t have doubts about Dr Mahathir, even though there are many rumours saying that he is bad, it these are not proven,” she said.

Lissa, who came with her two daughters, said she has lived in Malacca for 18 years with her husband, and wants to see a change that Dr Mahathir can bring to the state.

“I was from Sabah, my husband is Singaporean. I have lived here for 18 years and dealing with problems like the goods and services tax (GST) and lack of infrastructure. I want to see the country improve.”

Another new Bersatu member, Abu Hanifa Atan, 54, said it would be good if the opposition did not squabble over who is supposed to be party leader of Pakatan Harapan, although he preferred Dr Mahathir.

“All the parties must work together, DAP, Amanah, PKR – what is the point of fighting? They should come together sit down and talk things over nicely.

“Dr Mahathir is an experienced man when he was prime minister for 22 years, he brought our country forward, I think that is more than enough proof.”

Lee Pui Yan, 38 from Bukit Baru said she didn’t believe the accusations of Umno leaders hurled at Dr Mahathir.

“I just don’t believe them, if what they say is true, why not bring up proof of what happened in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal?

“What happened to Barisan Nasional’s promise of helping the people? I don’t want your money, I want to be able to hold a decent job with a decent income and buy groceries without thinking about my empty pocket,” she said.

One man brought his family and friends to the open house to show his support. Only wanting to be known as Lim, he said he has no reason to doubt Dr Mahathir and he hopes that he would at least be the leader of the PH coalition if not the prime minister.

“Because of his age, I don’t think that he is suitable to be prime minister, however, I am looking forward to him being the adviser of the country and party.

“Anwar has already been jailed, he is already out of the picture, bringing him back in is a waste of time and resources.”

The Bersatu open house yesterday attracted some 20,000 people in Malacca last night. The event also served to celebrate Dr Mahathir’s 92nd birthday today. – July 10, 2017.