A VETERANS’ group has risen in defence of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s appointment of three cabinet ministers, saying that swift and decisive action was necessary to bring about reform in the country.

Retired brigadier-general Mohamad Arshad Raji, president of Patriot (National Patriots’ Association), said the culture of selfish gain had passed, and there was a need for urgent reform in the country.

“Patriot fully supports the decision of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir in being swift and decisive, as it was crucial.

“Time cannot wait for intraparty bickering of who gets what and how much,” he said in a statement today.

The group’s statement followed criticisms levelled against Dr Mahathir by some leaders within the Pakatan Harapan pact, who claimed the 92-year-old leader had failed to consult with all members of the coalition prior to announcing the appointments of the finance, defence, and home ministers.

Yesterday, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli told the Malaysiakini news portal that the appointment of the three ministers was not final, as the decision was made without PKR’s participation.

“As far as we are concerned, the discussions have to take place,” Rafizi said.

DAP and Amanah leaders were quick to rebuke Rafizi, saying that PKR had been consulted, but the party had disagreed with the appointments while the others had consented.

On Saturday, Dr Mahathir announced the appointment of Lim Guan Eng (DAP) as finance minister, Mohamad Sabu (Amanah) as defence minister, and Muhyiddin Yassin (Bersatu) as home minister.

Arshad said there were plenty of qualified people outside the field of politics who were willing to serve, not for money or glamour, but out of a genuine interest to help.

“Select them carefully and use them in different levels, positions, and roles necessary in nation-building,” he said.

He said there must be checks and balances among the institutions of government to ensure transparency and accountability in governance and to prevent abuses of power.

Arshad also called for Malaysians to unite and think for the nation’s interests as a whole so that Malaysian patriotism would rise again. – May 14, 2018.