With Dr M’s en bloc gambit, Harapan faced with 'Hobson’s choice'

ANALYSIS | Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest shock decision to call for a special sitting of Parliament on March 2 could potentially pave the way for Umno to return to power.

In his first press conference since the political crisis unfolded on Monday, Mahathir had made it clear that if Pakatan Harapan does not join his unity government, then his party Bersatu would nominate Muhyiddin Yassin for prime minister.

He emphasised that Muhyiddin was open to accepting Umno MPs en bloc in his government. Implicitly, this meant a Muhyiddin-led government would see all Umno MPs, including those facing criminal charges such as Najib Abdul Razak and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, back in power.

In contrast, Mahathir had promised that his unity government will only admit selected MPs from Umno.

Tactically, Mahathir had scored three major wins.

Firstly, Mahathir had eliminated the risk of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appointing Anwar Ibrahim as the prime minister of a minority government.

As the leader of the largest bloc in Parliament, the Agong could appoint Anwar as prime minister and allow him to form a viable government.

Secondly, Mahathir had avoided the need for fresh elections and thereby guaranteeing the safety of his 26 MPs from scrutiny by voters.

Lastly, Mahathir was forcing Harapan to reconsider its decision to rebuff his invitation to join a unity government led by him without partisan considerations.

Since last night, Harapan figures have been criticising the unity government idea on grounds that it would vest too much power in the prime minister, without accountability to parties nor was it guided by an election manifesto.

They are also arguing that joining the unity government would mean reneging their agreement with voters, which would have far-reaching electoral consequences in the future.

Given the latest development, the Harapan presidential council will have to mull over a case of Hobson’s choice — a choice of taking what is available or nothing at all — when it meets tonight.

First, Harapan can agree to join Mahathir’s unity government to achieve their only common goal, that is keeping Umno out of power until the court cases against their MPs are concluded.

This would mean having to jettison Harapan election manifesto and start on a clean slate on terms dictated by Mahathir.

According to one of Azmin Ali’s strategist, Mahathir and those who broke away from Harapan earlier this week found the election manifesto to be “unworkable”.

“They just have to agree with us in principle, then we can work out the details from there.

“There will be no more needless politicking and focus on delivering, say, 10 realistic goals in the coming two years,” the strategist said.

A Harapan strategist told Malaysiakini that this option was not viable because many of Harapan’s promises are deeply etched into their supporters’ psyche.

“We will be scolded all day by supporters and there will be nothing we can do about it,” said the Harapan strategist.

Or else, Harapan can choose to do nothing, leaving Muhyiddin’s ascension as prime minister and the formation of a government with Umno unimpeded.

There is, of course, a third and very unlikely option of Harapan using the remaining days to top up their numbers by at least 20 when the Dewan Rakyat sitting takes place.  - Mkini