PAKATAN Harapan must stop its infighting and start focusing on economic issues, said the National Patriots’ Association (Patriot) today.

“Enough is enough. It is disgusting to see political infighting.

“Economic issues deserve more attention, and political leaders must get cracking now,” said Patriot president Brig-Gen (rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji in a statement.

He said the people have had enough of the bickering and political manoeuvring over the prime minister’s power transfer.

Such squabbles are threatening to destroy the ruling pact and whatever hopes there are for a “New Malaysia”, he said, adding: “There are far too many national issues that need attention.”

Arshad said the country has no place for “recalcitrant” politicians who do not provide good leadership, are not proactive, and are only good at playing politics.

“If (PH) politicians have a conscience, they should be ashamed after Tanjung Piai voters spoke up.

“In line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, people of all ethnic groups must be made to feel empowered, to patriotically contribute to our nation’s gross domestic product and nation-building.”

He added that Malaysia’s economic progress has been hindered by declining education standards, a lack of innovation and skills, and stagnating productivity.

Given this, cabinet members must take the lead to raise the quality of education, to prepare Malaysians for the Industrial Revolution 4.0, he said.

“With progress in science and technology, along with an educated and technically minded populace capable of earning a much higher income, Malaysia will soon be a high-income nation, escaping from the middle-income bracket it has been trapped in since 1992.”

He said the country is “as good as a living dead” when PH politicians fight over positions, scheme to outdo their rivals and make secret pacts with members of the opposition.

Arshad also highlighted the dangers of the coalition ignoring the “realistic” poverty rate, and pointed to the Orang Asli in Pos Simpor, Kelantan, who had to beg for food.

“We are devoid of pride and honour when politicians care for nothing else but politicking to secure power.

“It sure tells of greed, power-craziness, selfishness, indifference and incompetency.” – November 22, 2019.