KUCHING, Feb 27: Political observer Datuk Peter Minos opined that a ‘unity’ government was an idea worth considering, citing that national interests must come first.
His comment comes in response to interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his first public address yesterday (Feb 26) since the political turmoil began on Sunday, asked to be given the opportunity to form and lead a non-partisan government covering the entire political spectrum.
“I must say Dr Mahathir has a point, a big point. It is high time for Malaysians to pause, stop and think. Dr Mahathir’s new idea, something revolutionary in Malaysia, merits thinking about,” Peter emphasised in a press statement today.
He pointed out that there had been too much politicking in Malaysia in recent years with many power-seekers excessively using partisan politics that saw national interests and needs being sacrificed.
“Too many things had been decided on political party line in zeal for political power and positions and if this continues for too long and far, Malaysia will only stand to lose and suffer.
“Politicians of all stripes must think of the nation and national interests before narrow party political goals. This is what Dr Mahathir has in mind and had proposed,” he observed.
Peter urged all Malaysians including Sarawakians to ponder, “must we go on and on differing, debating and disuniting ourselves by partisan politics at the expense of national interests and our nation?”
“Why not, for once, think of the nation first and set aside for a while our politicking and political differences,” he emphasised.
Looking at the political turmoil in Malaysia today, he said that Malaysians really need to stop politicking and start thinking for Malaysia and the future.
“Maybe it is time for reconciliation, national reconciliation that is. And then of a national unity government, devoid as far as possible from politiking based on parties and party affiliation,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir resigned unexpectedly as the prime minister on Monday (Feb 24) following open speculation of a power grab involving his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), a rogue Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) faction headed by Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, and several opposition parties.
After this fell through, Dr Mahathir still appeared to be on track to return as prime minister after nearly all major political parties expressed support for him to remain.
Barisan Nasional (BN), Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas), and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) have since withdrawn support for Dr Mahathir and rejected the unity government proposal after saying they would not work with Democratic Action Party (DAP).
PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) have also yesterday all nominated Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Pakatan Harapan (PH)’s prime ministerial candidate.
In a statement by the PH Presidential Council, the coalition said they have been trying hard to defend the mandate given by the rakyat during the 14th General Election since the attempt to overthrown the PH government over the weekend.
The coalition also put its firm stand against any efforts made to form a backdoor government. —DayakDaily
