PN unlikely to be part of unity govt, say analysts

 

Political analysts Syaza Syukri and James Chin acknowledge that including Perikatan Nasional in the unity government will bring stability, but believe it is unlikely to happen.

PETALING JAYA: Political analysts are at odds over whether Perikatan Nasional should be invited to join the unity government.

Syaza Syukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said a true unity government could offer increased political stability, but would come at the expense of clear checks and balances.

Syaza Syukri.

“However, I would say the pros of having political stability outweigh the cons of not having checks and balances. It is what the Madani government needs to survive,” she told FMT.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania said although there was no urgent need for a genuine unity government as the country was not facing a crisis, politicians may be drawn to forging one as there would be no need to worry about the opposition.

“From the other side, (for parties like) PAS and Bersatu, it may be some sort of a good idea because it gives them a chance to get back into the government,” he said.

James Chin.

However, Chin said PN may not be interested as it already has strong support from the Malay electorate.

“It can probably overthrow the government (with the support it has),” he added.

Earlier, Parti Bangsa Malaysia president Larry Sng called for a national reconciliation on the political scene by urging the unity government to extend an olive branch to PN following the results of last Saturday’s elections in six states.

“I believe the Madani government should re-invite PN into the unity government,” Sng said in a Facebook post, adding that the move could reduce identity politics in Malaysia.

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Following the results of the general election last November, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, asked PN and Pakatan Harapan to work together to form a unity government. However, PN rejected the proposal.

While the Anwar Ibrahim-led administration might be open to including PN, both Syaza and Chin said the coalition might not reciprocate such a sentiment.

“It (PN) would have little incentive (to do so). What would PN benefit from doing so? By being in the opposition they become the ‘hero’ of the Malays and increase their popularity,” said Syaza. - FMT