A day of meetings as the race to form next Perak govt continues

 

KUALA LUMPUR: A series of high-level meetings by political parties is expected to take place on (Dec 7) as the race to form the next state government in Perak continues.

The PAS central committee is set to meet at its headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut on Monday (Dec 7) night, according to Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria.

He hinted that a decision over PAS’ stance in the Perak political crisis could be achieved as early as Monday night.

“Maybe tonight. There is a meeting at the central committee level, ” he said briefly when contacted.

At the same time, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said Umno also held a 5pm political bureau meeting and will hold another 8pm special meeting which will involve Umno supreme council members at its headquarters in Putra World Trade Centre.

“The latest issue about Perak politics will be discussed, ” he said briefly.

Meanwhile, the Pakatan Harapan presidential council also had a meeting at 3.30pm in Parliament grounds right after Parliament proceedings ended on Monday.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who spoke to reporters after the meeting, merely said Pakatan hasn't made a decision on Umno's candidate for Mentri Besar - Datuk Saarani Mohamad.

"We allowed state leaders to deliberate at length and decide," he said.

The Perak political impasse began after Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu was ousted as the state Mentri Besar by Umno and Pakatan assemblymen in a confidence motion tabled at the state assembly last Friday (Dec 4).

Strained ties between Umno and Bersatu became even more apparent after arch nemesis Umno and DAP announced that they are willing to join forces to form the next state government.

The shocking declaration by Umno’s Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and DAP’s Nga Kor Ming has not only stunned party

grassroots, but also raised a question whether such a political configuration, consisting of very different ideologies, would materialise.

So far, sources within Umno have indicated willingness to work with other Pakatan coalition parties such as Amanah and PKR.

“But not DAP. It will be very difficult for us to explain to our grassroots, ” the source said briefly.

Universiti Sains Malaysia Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian also said there could be huge impacts for both parties if Umno and DAP decide to cooperate in forming the next state government.

“There will be a huge impact not just at the party or federal levels, but also loyal supporters by both parties.

“I don’t think they are ready as much as said by some leaders. Division will be seen in both parties especially at the grassroots level, ” said Sivamurugan.

Sivamurugan also said it is still possible for Barisan Nasional and Pakatan to cooperate as long as they are focused on having a common agenda and are able to sort out their differences.

“However, any political coalition formed based on temporary power and without any common principles will not last long.

“It will be seen as ‘marriage of convenience’. Compromising political principles for the sake of forming government will make them seem weak and uncertain, which could lead to a political crisis, ” he said.

At the same time, Universiti Malaya's Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi also said if Umno and DAP decides to collaborate, it could weaken Perikatan Nasional as the Federal Government.

Noting that the DAP and Umno cooperation could lead to dissatisfaction in future, Awang Azmn still expressed optimism, saying that cooperation between two arch enemies is still possible.

"If Umno and DAP are able to convince their grassroots about the cooperation, sooner or later, it will be accepted by the grassroots," he added.

Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political analyst Prof Dr Muhammad Fuad Othman regarded the Perak political crisis as Barisan’s top leadership “flexing their political influences” in an attempt to re-establish their political footing at the local political landscape.

“It could be a process of political realignment. But it also could be an act of political statement.”

Noting that anything is possible in politics, Muhammad Fuad said it would require tremendous amount of political will to see DAP and Barisan ending up on the same side of the political divide.

“Both parties would have a lot of explaining to the grassroots should they decide to take this course of action, ” he said.

In the 59-seat state assembly, Umno holds 25 seats, Bersatu five, PAS three, Gerakan one and Independent one.

The opposition has 24 seats – DAP (16), PKR (three) and Parti Amanah Negara (five). - Star