AS the squabble over who should be the opposition’s prime ministerial candidate continues, the multimedia and communications minister said perhaps the time has come for Malaysians to look for new political icons.

Saifuddin Abdullah, when asked to comment on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who today announced that he and five MPs loyal to him have broken away from Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) choice of its prime minister designate, told reporters in Kuching: “I think it’s time we look for new political icons for the future of Malaysia.”

Dr Mahathir and his supporters are sticking with their decision to have Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal be the prime minister designate, while other parties in the PH coaliton – PKR, DAP and Amanah – are backing PKR president Anwar Ibrahim as the candidate instead.

The 95-year-old Langkawi MP has dominated Malaysian politics for more than 70 years, and served as prime minister twice – for 22 years from 1981 to 2003 and from June 2018 to February 2020.

Saifuddin was in Kuching to announce the host town for ceremonies to mark this year’s Malaysia Day and unveil the celebration’s theme and logo.

Sibu has been picked to host the September 16 ceremonies under the theme “Malaysia Prihatin”.

State Utilities Minister Dr Stephen Rundi, who co-chairs the organising committee with Saifuddin, said Sibu was picked because Kuching hosted last year’s ceremonies, while Miri hosted Independence Day festivities last year as well.

The logo is a stylised heart reflecting all the features of the Jalur Gemilang.

Saifuddin said the theme reflects the togetherness Malaysians have shown in battling the Covid-19 pandemic and the government’s prioritising of the people’s well-being. – July 10, 2020.