Form bloc of small parties backing Anwar, unity govt, analyst says

 

A bloc comprising smaller parties like Muda headed by Syed Saddiq (left) supporting the unity government could speak up on matters not raised by the administration, says UM’s Awang Azman Pawi. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Marginal parties backing the current administration should consider forming a bloc to give themselves a louder voice in the unity government, an analyst said.

Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the formation of the bloc would give parties such as Muda, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) and Warisan a stronger voice within the government.

It will also act as a check and balance on policy-related issues.

“They (the bloc) can be an alternative voice or a third voice for the government in order to strengthen it. It does not have to criticise the government, but could provide constructive suggestions,” he told FMT.

The bloc, he said, could complement the government by speaking up on matters overlooked by the administration. It could also help identify issues which the opposition may seek to politicise to allow Putrajaya to react quickly.

Awang Azman said the bloc will allow the smaller parties to prove their capabilities which will be of benefit to them during seat negotiations for future polls.

“These parties would gain the trust of the major political parties when they continuously assist the government in providing solutions to public issues.”

Muda and PBM each have one MP in their ranks: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar) and Larry Sng (Julau), respectively. However, neither holds any position in the government.

Meanwhile, Warisan has three MPs, one of whom, Yusof Apdal (Lahad Datu), currently serves as the deputy higher education minister.

Awang Azman said the political parties involved must find the political will to work together, calling it their biggest challenge to the formation of the bloc.

Another obstacle may be PH’s reaction, he said.

“Would PH see it (bloc) as a threat? PH needs to look at it as a small yet unified group that could further strengthen the coalition, and not as a threat,” said Awang Azman.

Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia however doubted that forming a bloc would improve the standing of these parties in the coalition unless they turn out to be “kingmakers”.

“If the bloc can’t play such a role, it would end up becoming background noise,” he said, adding that in current Malaysian politics, small parties were better off being part of a large coalition and pushing their agenda from within.

Meanwhile, Tunku Mohar Mokhtar of International Islamic University Malaysia said the bloc runs the risk of being alienated by PH unless it plays a supporting role in the coalition. - FMT