Pakatan-Perikatan unity govt possible, says constitutional expert

 

PETALING JAYA: A unity government involving the two parties or coalitions with the most number of seats can be formed if neither has managed to command a clear majority, says a constitutional expert.

Professor Datuk Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz said the traditional method is for the party or coalition with the highest number of seats to form the government.

"Secondly, there is also the possibility of (and) practice that the two parties or coalitions which have the highest and second highest number of seats combine to form the government," she said.

The third way is for all political parties to compete to secure the confidence of the majority.

The fourth way, she said, is for the former government to form the new government.

"But the final one – that is the (former) prime minister or the previous government should be given the chance to form the new government is not suitable, because this is not acceptable by the people," she said.

Prof Shamrahayu said these are all acceptable methods in some parts of the world.

There is speculation that Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional could be given the mandate to form a unity government in the event that neither manages to secure support of the magic number of 112 newly-elected MPs.

Pakatan secured the highest number of seats in the 15th General Election with 81 seats while Perikatan has 73.

However, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is Perikatan chairman, has claimed that they have enough seats to form the next government.

He had also said that they had submitted statutory declarations of MPs to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as proof of support.

Perikatan secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said the SDs were sent to Istana Negara Tuesday (Nov 22) morning, in addition to the 112 submitted on Monday (Nov 21).

Borneo blocs GPS and GRS had earlier announced support for Perikatan.

However, the Sarawak Premier's Office said today that GPS is leaving it the appointment of the Prime Minister to the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Pakatan, has tried to negotiate with Barisan Nasional to form a unity government, but it appears that the coalition, which has 30 seats, is likely to remain as the Opposition.

Barisan leaders such as deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has said it is better for Pakatan and Perikatan to form a government together.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has said that he will decide on the formation of the government soon. - Star