KUCHING: Malaysians woke up to a hung parliament this morning.
What is surprising is the resurgence of ethnocentrism and religiocentrism politics with Perikatan Nasional (PN) winning an increased number of seats, monopolised by PAS which won 49 seats, making it the biggest single opposition party.
PN’s other component, Bersatu, won 24 seats.
Parti Aspirasi chairman George Young Si Record Jr said Pakatan Harapan (PH) underestimated the strength of PN and failed to read the minds of the Malay voters in states like Perlis, Pahang, and Kedah.
“We can see that the Malays hated UMNO but they didn’t want to vote for PH because of its projected image of being more inclusive and liberal,” he said.
Furthermore, there is the DAP (Democratic Action Party) in PH which most Malays consider a Chinese-run party which wants to take over and rule Malaysia and turn it into another Singapore, he said.
“We have heard that GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) leaders like the late Datuk Sri Dr James Jemut Masing and recently Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hanzah indicated that they would not work with PH just as they would never work with PAS.
“We need to see the bigger picture. If we support the wrong coalition in Malaya, let’s say we work with PN to form the next federal government, it might not be a good move for Sarawak which is supposed to be an inclusive and non-radical party governed by a progressive and liberal local coalition, GPS.
“It’s time for PH to stop demonising GPS and maybe it’s time to start working together,” said George, who suggested that PH should offer GPS the olive branch.
He said it is also time for PH to listen to GPS’ demands, adding that whatever GPS demands should be good for Sarawak.
“They have to find ways to work together as by now they should realise that actually PH and GPS share the same objective and value.
“What value you may ask me? Both don’t condone radicalism and ethnocentrism.
Both are progressive and liberal. This is my take on the results of GE15 and that’s how it is supposed to be done post-election,” said George.
Meanwhile, Aspirasi president Lina Soo said the results of the just concluded 15th general election (GE15) have changed the political landscape in Malaysia.
In her facebook posting, Soo said UMNO is punished, and has now no longer the big brother.
“GPS has become the kingmaker, whoever it supports will form the federal government,” Soo said.
The results of GE15 are historic because for the first time Malaysia has a hung Parliament.
None of the main party coalitions in the country can form a government on their own. This is because none of them achieved the ‘magical’ 112 seats.
Forming a coalition government can happen after His Majesty appoints a member of the Dewan Rakyat who, in His Majesty’s opinion, may receive a vote of confidence from the majority of the MPs.
The success of the negotiations depends on the authority of the leaders to form a strong and stable coalition government.
After the appointment of the prime minister is made, negotiations to create a coalition government can be held through the formation of a minority government.
According to Article 40 (2) (a) of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the discretion to appoint the prime minister in accordance with the process set out in Article 43(2)(a) without being bound by any foreign convention, including Westminster.
The prime minister chosen by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, if there is no dominant political coalition, can be tested to see if he is able to gain the trust of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members after being appointed.
The belief can be proven either through a vote of confidence in Parliament, the amount of support in sworn statements (SD) or other methods that can satisfy His Majesty.
It is unless there is no motion of no confidence submitted by any member of the Dewan Rakyat to the prime minister.
What is certain, and what the people hope for, in the next five years, is that Malaysia will be led by the prime minister and an administration by a government that is able to overcome the various challenges ahead.
A stable government will govern the country, especially in the face of the global economic storm expected to hit the world next year and the recovery of the country after the COVID-19 pandemic which was previously exacerbated by geopolitical tension, inflation and the food crisis.
