We win and lose as one - Penang Bersatu ticks off PKR rep

Penang Bersatu leaders have asked PKR's Batu Uban assemblyperson A Kumaresan not to take actions that could destabilise Pakatan Harapan.

This was after Kumaresan called for PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to immediately replace Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister claiming this would restore confidence in the coalition after the back-to-back by-election defeats in Cameron Highlands and Semenyih.

"I am drawn by the quote in the film Ola Bola that we 'win together and we lose together'. Pakatan Harapan should hold on to this and not play the blame game.

"We need to become a block that has a strong relationship and is harmonious and united.

"Therefore, I hope there will not be statements that threaten the harmony in Harapan. Let us fulfil our promises to help the people," said Bersatu Youth assistant secretary Aizat Khalid in a statement today.

Aizat said a transition of power was not a priority now as Harapan must channel its focus on fulfilling its election promises while being closely watched by the people.

Meanwhile, Bayan Baru Bersatu chief Azahari Aris said if blame was to be assigned to Mahathir, then the entire cabinet would also be responsible.

He added that Harapan's defeated candidate in Semenyih was decided upon based on consensus within the coalition's presidential council.

"We do not want statements based on party sentiments that can erode the cooperation in Harapan.

"Let the defeat in Semenyih spur Harapan take action so that it can make its voters proud," he said a separate statement.

Azahari said there was much work to be done and changing the prime minister now would not make a difference.

"Even if we change the prime minister now, BN's momentum will not be blunted as the people are upset at Harapan's policies that are not perceived as people-centric and this translated into votes at Semenyih.

"We know that it is not easy to overhaul and change policies that have remained static for more than 60 years under the BN regime. Drastic action is required for changing these policies they also require Parliament's approval," he said.

Earlier today, Kumaresan, who is a Penang assemblyperson, criticised the government for several promises that have yet to be promised stating that Anwar should instead take over the government's reins.