Ronnie Liu won’t retract Dr Mahathir criticism

Noel Achariam Noel Achariam Updated 4 years ago · Published on 24 Oct 2019 11:00AM · 5 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who also leads Bersatu, is the subject of intense speculation as there is a Pakatan Harapan pact that he won’t stay in the post the full term.

RONNIE Liu will not retract his criticism against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Bersatu as the DAP politician felt he had done nothing wrong and was only exercising his right to freedom of speech.

The DAP central committee member told The Malaysian Insight that he is willing to face any disciplinary action from his party over the statement which also irked component parties of Pakatan Harapan.

“If Dr Mahathir can accept criticisms and he had also criticised (other people) even in the matters of other countries, why should others be bothered by what I said?” Liu said.

“Even Dr Mahathir has no qualms and never said I was rude, so why are others bothered?”

Liu created a stir with his recent opinion piece, in which he criticised Dr Mahathir and warned Bersatu against making decisions not aligned with PH values.

If the pact broke up over the prime minister’s actions, Bersatu, of which Dr Mahathir is chairman, stands to lose the most, he said, adding that other PH components could face snap elections without the party.

The remarks angered those in Bersatu, with Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik and Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman hitting out at the DAP man.

Maszlee said Liu’s remarks were disrespectful and uncalled for while Syed Saddiq, who is also Bersatu youth chief, said the wing will not hesitate to act against the attack.

DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke said disciplinary action would be taken against Liu for his remarks against Dr Mahathir and Bersatu.

Loke said the Sg Pelek assemblyman’s statement, though made in his personal capacity, was irresponsible and could destabilise PH.

Liu, however, said he is willing to face the disciplinary action.

“I will go and explain myself (to the party). That’s not a problem. I will certainly defend my right to freedom of speech.”

He added that this is not the first time he had criticised Dr Mahathir.

“I made this (criticism) not only against Dr Mahathir, but for the good of PH.” – October 24, 2019.

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Comments

  • About time someone have some back bones come out and say something. Well said!

    Posted 4 years ago by J w · Reply

  • Tun is a strong proponent of free speech. No worry.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Bersatu is a party for yes man. SS and Mazlee is good example of loyal yes man. AA is the latest addition to that big list. If can't take criticism, better quit as politicians, hati tisu has no place in the highly toxic political stage.

    Posted 4 years ago by Butter Scotch · Reply

  • He is not a team player.

    Posted 4 years ago by Zaini Nordin · Reply

  • Dr M critised and called Carrie Lam to resign. That is the benchmark of free speech. Anything different from Ronnie ?

    Posted 4 years ago by S L · Reply