The prime minister also talks about the recently-established Economic Action Council and making use of China’s foreign policies that are good for us.
Malaysians have to give more time to the Pakatan government to administer the country, as the prime minister concedes that many of its ministers are still rookies.
“Well, I must admit that many of us here are very new. Sometimes, we say things that may reflect badly on us.
“But, you have to give us time because they (Barisan Nasional) had more than 60 years against us.
“I don’t think everyone in Barisan is an expert. Some of them make some silly mistakes, including the prime minister,” Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
He was speaking to reporters after the opening of the first meeting of the second session of the 14th Parliament on Monday (March 11).
The Pakatan chairman was responding to the remarks of his Special Advisor on Media and Communications Datuk Kadir Jasin, who said that it’s time for Pakatan to weed out “clowns and comic characters” as its first year in governance approaches.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir does not blame ministers for press blunders, as he said that the media tends to heckle an answer from the ministers.
“Sometimes, they are provoked by the press, and they answer. Of course, the press provoked them because the press thinks they are new and they make mistakes,” he added.
At the same time, the prime minister said the recently-established Economic Action Council will hold its first meeting after it manages to get new members onboard the council, which is chaired by Dr Mahathir himself.
The 16-men council consists of current and former Cabinet ministers, economists, businessmen, experts and representatives from non-governmental organisations.
Dr Mahathir also said that China is a global superpower and whether Malaysians like it or not, the government has to take into consideration China’s foreign policies.
“Not all (China) policies are bad for us. Some can be very good and it’s up to us to find out what’s good for us and make use of it,” he added.