Govt coalition partners don’t have to agree on everything, says Kamil

The unity government is not built on the premise that its component parties must agree on all matters, says PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim, following DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s announcement that he will tender his resignation as transport minister.

Kamil, who is also political secretary to the finance minister, said the maturity of the unity government was not measured by its lack of differences, but by its ability to manage them without undermining national stability.

“(The members of the unity government) have different histories, traditions and political stances. There will be things on which we agree and others on which we disagree.

“For me, the current priority is to ensure the government continues to function, that reforms continue, the economy is strengthened and the people’s issues are resolved. Political differences should not cause us to lose focus on the greater trust placed in us,” he told FMT.

Earlier today, Loke said he would be the only DAP leader to resign over the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Najib Razak, despite the wishes of certain factions for the party to leave the Cabinet as a whole.

Kamil said he respected Loke’s decision and took note of DAP’s commitment to the unity government. He added that this commitment ensures that its remaining Cabinet members will continue to do their duty.