LETTER | The latest rally in support of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak by Perikatan Nasional clearly reveals that the coalition, in essence, is not really interested in fighting graft.

One could question the unity government on how the alleged royal addendum issue was handled but the support in solidarity with Najib who was convicted of corruption by a due process of justice reveals the real nature of PN - which is opportunistic and unethical.

If PN’s leadership is sincere in fighting graft, they should have come up with proposals in Parliament and sought consensus with the government on principles and methods of combating grand corruption.

By doing so, the rakyat would be able to gauge its sincerity.

Having said that, I would commend the stand taken by Federal Territories Perikatan Nasional state secretary Mahathir Mohd Rais who described the opposition's involvement in the rally as "disheartening" and reeking of "political opportunism".

Political gains over principles

According to Mahathir, leaders within PN who once branded Najib's administration as kleptocratic and corrupt are now calling for leniency and framing him as a victim of injustice.

This about-turn reeks of political opportunism, exposing a willingness to sacrifice principles for political gain.

“This rally is emblematic of a larger issue within Malaysian politics - leaders on both sides appear more focused on preserving their influence than addressing the rakyat’s concerns.

“The rakyat are left as mere spectators in a political theatre where the powerful protect each other, regardless of which side they belong to,” Mahathir was reported as saying.

The Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (Acid) is of the view that graft can only be eradicated if one is able to peel off the partisan colouring of graft and address it for what it really is and its impact on society, especially the poor.

And PN should not pretend that it is fighting graft when its actual motive is to gain leverage over Umno and split its supporters.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.