Ramsamy vouches for Muhyiddin’s credibility, calls for consolidation of Bersatu-led opposition forces

 

I QUITE agree with Bersatu president and Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that it is about time the loose  political coalition formed last year is consolidated and strengthened.

Whether IPR is accommodated within Pakatan Rakyat (PR) remains to be seen but there are possibilities to strengthen the loose coalition of 12 political parties.

Muhyiddin might have problems with PAS and the dissident group that have left Bersatu but he comes out clean in terms of confronting the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition helmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar and Deputy PM Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is the UMNO president might have weakened Bersatu to some extent.

But the fact that those who left Bersatu might have been politically tainted by their close nexus with Anwar and more so with Zahid might politically weaken the dissident faction.

Zahid thinks that persuading Bersatu leaders to oppose Muhyiddin might indirectly strengthen UMNO and the present ruling coalition.

Muhyiddin’s credibility comes from the fact that he has consistently opposed the ruling coalition.

Non-Malay disgruntlement with PH

With both the general and state elections approaching, Muhyiddin has the chance to consolidate the strength of IPR.

IPR cannot remain a loose coalition forever; it is about time that the opposition as a whole thinks seriously about strengthening the forces of the opposition in the country.

Anwar should not be allowed to think that he has another term in office.

Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy

Even if IPR cannot be merged in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, a separate electoral strategy could be worked out in predominantly Malay and non-Malay areas to strengthen the forces of the opposition.

Malay support is consistently with the opposition and what is more is that non-Malays have become disgruntled with the ruling government and Anwar in particular.

Even if the presence of PAS within the ranks of the opposition is a problem to the non-Malays, particularly the Chinese, there is a silver lining to this.

I have been informed by credible sources that Chinese disappointment with DAP might ensure that a sizeable segment might not vote in the coming elections.

Above all else, the attacks on Hindu temples in the country have turned away Indian support for the government.

Anwar has transitioned from being a “hero” to “zero” to the Indians in the country. 

 Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT

- Focus Malaysia.