I had thought it was “Game Over”, the end of any unity government, after Barisan Nasional (BN) announced that they preferred to be a neutral opposition, rather than team up with Pakatan Harapan.
So it was quite surprising to hear that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had suggested a unity government between Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional (PN). But PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin had rejected the proposal, in a seemingly brusque manner.
“We will not cooperate with Harapan. No matter what the purpose is, we will not agree to it,” he said. Wow, “no matter” even if it’s for the stability and progress of the nation? That seems rather arrogant.
Apparently, the Agong had good intentions to have a government that represents “all races and all regions”, and “to be inclusive in all respects”, judging from Anwar Ibrahim’s version of his meeting with the Agong. And Anwar was far more polite in saying he had “accepted the view of His Majesty to give us some time and to give consideration and wisdom to decide on this".
The reason for Muhyiddin’s blunt rejection of the Agong’s suggestion must be a feeling of anger since he claims to have SDs (statutory declarations) from 115 MPs in the bag. But his dodgy mathematics probably cunningly included those from GPS and BN, two groups which have already declared they are no longer supporting PN.
The second reason for Muhyiddin’s displeasure must probably be that the prime minister under a unity government will be Anwar Ibrahim, who as Harapan chairperson commands the largest bloc of 82 MPs.
My own preference is for a unity government of Harapan + BN + GPS + Warisan + others which will have a strong, stable majority of over 138 MPs. This will exclude the religious opportunists of PAS and also Bersatu, the architect of the Sheraton Move.
However, as BN has refused to work with Harapan (as of Nov 22, who knows about tomorrow) a grand coalition between Harapan and PN (plus GPS and Warisan presumably), as proposed by the Agong, may also have to be accepted.
1. Stable majority
The numbers will be solid. In contrast, a PN-led or Harapan-led coalition (minus BN) will be treading water precariously, either as a minority government, or one hovering barely above the 112 level and at constant risk of being submerged.
After three prime ministers in three years, we need more stability. Incessant backstabbing and changes of government will not inspire local and foreign investor confidence.
2. Focus on core problems
If Umno or PN works with DAP/Harapan, this will herald a new era of multiracial cooperation. It's already happening with the new Harapan-BN Perak state government. Hopefully, this can lead to healthier politics based on policy and performance.
The racial blame game has been unproductive in solving the many problems of the country, including the soaring cost of living and lack of well-paying jobs for youths. As a global downturn is expected in 2023 and 2024, we need to focus on solving our core economic issues, rather than fighting over racial ones.
3. Reduce racial hate
PAS, Bersatu and Umno all demonised DAP (and the Chinese) during the elections. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang claimed that non-Muslims were the “root of corruption” and that DAP was “communist”.
On the eve of the elections, in a desperate bid to gain votes, Muhyiddin accused Harapan of being an agent of Jews and Christians who were out to “colonise” Malaysia.
Given PN’s big gains. sadly many voters seem to have bought into these lies. Perhaps they didn’t think – hey, DAP cannot be both godless communists and Jewish/Christian evangelists at the same time!
Even after the elections, inflammatory TikTok posts with images of weapons, have linked DAP to the May 13 racial riots while calling for PN to govern the country. All this vicious hate speech will further tear Malaysia apart.
But in a unity government, it will be hard for the Malay parties to continue their racial demonising of DAP when they are now official partners in government. After all, how can they be working with such “communists”, “Jewish agents” and “corrupt non-Muslims”?
4. PM Anwar can curb corruption
The likely prime minister of any unity government will be Anwar, since Harapan has the most seats (82) and the most popular votes (5.82 million, versus 4.67 million for PN).
The PM has immense powers in our government system, including control of the MACC, attorney-general and the police. As such, he can move to reduce corruption and cronyism, by ordering investigations into cases such as the littoral combat ship (LCS) scandal. He can also direct the relevant agencies to haul up those engaging in racial hate speech.
Unfortunately, these PM's powers may be the real reasons why BN and PN don’t want to work with Harapan.
5. Little overlap of seats
In the case of a Harapan alliance with Umno (+ GPS but without PN), there will be little overlap of political “markets” for all parties. DAP will continue with the Chinese-majority seats, while PKR and Amanah can take the mixed seats.
Umno can thus focus on the Malay majority seats and try to wrest them back from PN in GE16. As for GPS, a ceasefire can be called with DAP and PKR to maintain the status quo in Sarawak.
Being in government will strengthen all parties for the next elections. Can Umno survive without that?
6. Umno rejuvenation?
Given the cleaner politics envisioned, dare we imagine that Umno will begin the necessary path of reform?
To cleanse itself from its corrupt reputation? Where smart leaders like Khairy Jamaluddin will be promoted, rather than sidelined?
7. Fulfil manifestos
All three manifestos of Harapan, PN and BN contain positive ideas. The question was always why didn’t PN and BN deliver on some of their promises during their 33 months jointly in power. Were they sincere and serious?
And of course, Harapan could have done better, though 30 percent of the 224 sub-promises of their 2018 manifesto had either been implemented or were on track according to a detailed report card by Ideas (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs).
And I hope that Harapan gets to start fixing up the country. This will be easier in a Harapan + BN alliance, rather than a Harapan + PN one, as Umno will be less able to hinder reforms (this may be exactly why they are reluctant to join?)
A unity government can take the best ideas to be implemented. Some are no-brainers, for example, nobody can quarrel about helping the B40 poor. Perhaps I am being too optimistic, but maybe we will see all three groups competing to see who does the best job in their various ministries? - Mkini
ANDREW SIA is a veteran journalist who likes teh tarik khau kurang manis. You are welcome to give him ideas to brew at tehtarik@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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