PH Youth Slams PAS for Shifting Protest Focus, Urges Prioritising PM Selection Before Demanding Anwar's Resignation
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) Youth has sharply criticised PAS Youth for seemingly hijacking a planned demonstration against the controversial Urban Renewal Act (URA) and redirecting it towards calls for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s resignation. The move has been labelled as opportunistic and a distraction from the core issues affecting the public.
PH Youth Chief Woo Sze Wei expressed his disappointment, stating that PAS Youth’s actions demonstrate a lack of seriousness and a penchant for political maneuvering. “It’s incredibly disingenuous to use a protest against the URA, which directly impacts urban communities and property owners, as a platform to call for the Prime Minister’s resignation,” Woo stated in a press conference earlier today.
The planned protest, initially intended to highlight concerns surrounding the URA's potential displacement of residents and the lack of transparency in its implementation, was unexpectedly refocused to target Anwar’s leadership. Critics argue that this shift trivializes the genuine grievances of those affected by the URA and undermines the credibility of PAS Youth’s concerns.
“Before demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation, perhaps PAS Youth should focus on resolving the issues they initially raised,” Woo suggested. “Prioritising the selection of a suitable Prime Minister is crucial, but diverting a protest against a specific policy to achieve that goal is simply not the right approach. It demonstrates a lack of integrity and a disregard for the people's concerns.”
The URA has been a subject of intense debate, with concerns raised about its potential impact on heritage sites, affordable housing, and the livelihoods of small businesses. Opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the Act, arguing that it prioritizes developer interests over the welfare of the community.
Woo further challenged PAS Youth to provide constructive solutions to the problems posed by the URA, rather than resorting to political stunts. “Instead of making baseless demands, PAS Youth should engage in meaningful dialogue with the government and stakeholders to find a way forward that protects the interests of all parties involved,” he added.
The ongoing dispute highlights the complex political landscape in Malaysia, where coalition governments and shifting alliances are common. However, PH Youth’s response underscores the importance of maintaining focus on substantive policy issues and avoiding politically motivated distractions. The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the role of youth wings in Malaysian politics and their responsibility to represent the interests of their constituents effectively.
The situation remains fluid, with observers anticipating further developments in the coming days. The URA remains a contentious issue, and the political maneuvering surrounding it is likely to continue, impacting the lives of many Malaysians.