Don’t apply a double standard, Umno man tells Amanah

Amanah’s leaders should reflect upon their own conduct before accusing their counterparts in the unity government of lacking self-respect, asserts Umno supreme council member Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. Responding to Amanah’s claim of BN hypocrisy for remaining in government while criticizing it, Shamsul stated that Umno joined the current government out of respect for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s wishes.

Shamsul clarified on his online post that cooperation does not entail sacrificing dignity. Politics, he wrote, revolves around principles, public interest, and national stability. He further emphasized that those quick to insult others but fail to respect differing opinions lack self-respect.

Earlier, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad had urged BN leaders dissatisfied with the unity government to resign from the Cabinet instead of waiting for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to dismiss them. Samad labeled them as unprincipled, alleging they sought to "have it both ways – remain in the government, but also criticise it."

Shamsul, Deputy Home Minister, responded by asserting that Umno and BN had the right to decide their subsequent steps based on political realities. He cautioned Amanah against practicing a double standard. He questioned whether political cooperation is principled when it benefits one's side, but undignified when others engage in it.

Shamsul queried if political cooperation is principled when it benefits one's side, but undignified when others do it? Shamsul asked. Amanah shouldn't hastily call others unprincipled when its political dealings have not been devoid of compromise.