Rope in opposition MPs for new govt’s tasks, says Umno man

 

Umno Youth leader Wan Agyl Wan Hassan says no MP should be left out if the new prime minister is to deliver on his mandates. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: An Umno Youth leader has called for the participation of all Dewan Rakyat members in the management of the health and economic crises under the new government.

Federal Territories Umno Youth information chief Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said Ismail Sabri Yaakob must rope in all MPs, including from the opposition, for the task if he becomes the next prime minister.

He said Ismail should also immediately follow the Umno president’s directive to form a functional ‘war cabinet’ focused on addressing key issues.

Speaking to FMT, Wan Agyl said Ismail did not need a big Cabinet but he must ensure its devotion to its mandates of bringing Covid-19 cases down, accomplishing economic recovery and preparing the nation for the next general election.

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan.

“He also needs to ensure that every single MP is involved in delivering these mandates,” he said. “This is not the time to tussle for power or to discuss who should be the deputy prime minister or who can get chairmanship positions in GLCs and GLICs.

“What he needs to also do is form select committees led by ministers to focus on these mandates. All MPs must be involved. Any rejection of a job by any MP will put him on the spot for not having the interest to help the nation.”

Wan Agyl said the nation will survive without a deputy prime minister and without the appointment of MPs to GLC positions.

Ismail is said to have the backing of 114 MPs from Barisan Nasional, Bersatu, PAS, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, STAR, PBS and several independents to become the new prime minister.

But observers have said he will stand on shaky ground since Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional (PN), composed of Bersatu, PAS and STAR, commands 50 seats.

He has been warned by party colleague Tajuddin Abdul Rahman that he will need to be mindful of his allies’ feelings to ensure a stable government.

Political scientist Wong Chin Huat said Ismail should seal one or more confidence and supply agreements (CSA) with opposition parties to guarantee his administration’s safety.

Wong told FMT Ismail would boost his standing if he were to quickly initiate reforms to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and create a politically independent public prosecution office.

“This would appease reformist voters and the international community and even get applause from those who claim to be victims of selective prosecution,” he said, referring to Umno leaders facing charges in court.

However, Wong warned Ismail that protecting these figures could cause his government to fall quickly.

“Ismail’s protection of the court cluster will give enough ground for Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu to install a new government under Anwar Ibrahim or a compromise figure like Ku Li (Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah),” he said.

“If that happens, Ismail may be overthrown before he can get to offer a last-minute CSA to the opposition.” - FMT