SQUABBLES initiated by some Pakatan Harapan politicians over cabinet positions are disrespectful to Malaysian voters and do not inspire confidence, former Malaysian Bar president Christopher Leong said.

In a statement, the senior lawyer said he was disappointed over remarks that followed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s announcement of three core cabinet posts yesterday.

“It is disappointing and unbecoming,” Leong said although he did not mention any politician or specific party.

But his statement comes after PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli said the names announced did not reflect the consensus of the PH presidential council and that PKR still considered talks on cabinet appointments as ongoing.

Rafizi was then backed up by PKR’s Subang MP Wong Chen, who questioned why PKR, which had won the most number of seat among all PH parties, did not get one of the core posts.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was announced as finance minister, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as home minister and Amanah president Mohamed Sabu as defence minister.

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is deputy prime minister by consensus of all PH parties prior to GE14, was not present when Dr Mahathir announced the names yesterday, leading to speculation of internal discord over the selection.

Leong said the bickering was disrespectful to the substantial number of Malaysians who had turned out in unprecedented numbers to effect change for a better Malaysia.

“Please bear in mind that the present and future of Malaysia is not about your personal aspirations for position, it is not about your political party, it is certainly not about your opinion as to your entitlement to apportionment or distribution of the spoils of victory.

“Do please remember that at this juncture in the historic moment of our nation it is about creating a better tomorrow for all of us. Do not show us that you are no better than the people who came before you – jostling for position and rewards.

“The victory at the polls in GE 14 does not belong to you, it belongs to us, the Rakyat. So stop the bickering and get down to governance, deliverance and excellence. Get your act together,” Leong said.

Another former Bar president, prominent lawyer and human rights activist Ambiga Sreenevasan, last night also ticked off PKR by tweeting, “PKR stop this nonsense immediately”. – May 13, 2018.