Calling the move both “foolish” and one that “serves no useful purpose”, a puzzled Zaid questioned whether Opposition figures like former Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Azmin Ali of PKR and Ambiga Sreenevasan of Bersih had become so motivated by their hatred of BN and Prime Minister Najib Razak that they were making the wrong judgement calls now.
“The credibility of the Opposition is more important than a superficial win by PAS, a party that ultimately serves the BN’s interest. A PAS win in these by-elections will mean nothing,” he said in his latest blog entry.
Arguing against the Opposition’s insistence to beat BN “at all costs”, he asked, “Since when is PAS better than the BN? I lived in Kelantan so I should know.”
He pointed out that apart from bringing very little development to Kelantan in their 26 years in power there, PAS clerics were also staunch Najib supporters who argued that according to Islamic law, no definitive judgement could be made against the PM in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad financial scandals unless there were four witnesses to any activity of alleged corruption.
“PAS is a party that only wants Muslims as leaders, supports child marriage and that believes womens’ place is at home. It’s also a party that wants — above all else — hudud law to be implemented in the country.
“You want PAS instead of the BN? You must be out of your mind,” he told Opposition leaders.
“In a straight fight with PAS the BN will win because these parties are now on friendly terms, and Hadi will not embarrass the Supreme Leader.
“The BN will come out smiling,” Zaid said, adding the ruling coalition would mobilise all its election machinery to guarantee an even bigger majority than the last election.
“Some Opposition leaders have lost their bearings because their struggle is no longer based on what they wish to offer to the people in terms of policies and political messages. They have become consumed by their desire to win another seat, at all costs. This is not progressive politics,” Zaid said.