IN A bizarre yet expected development, Pakatan Harapan (PH) has joined hands with political foe Barisan Nasional (BN) to form a unity government and resolve Malaysia’s hung Parliament.
PH chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, said nothing is conclusive yet as BN has requested that they hold internal meetings prior to reverting with a final decision on the matter.
“I am still very optimistic that we’ll be able to form a government (that is) more transparent (and) more democratic to safeguard the interests of the rakyat in Malaysia,” Anwar said at a press conference with other PH top guns this afternoon.
Speaking at the Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where soon-to-be-sworn-in MPs from both sides of the political divide convened all morning for political horse-trading following the results of Saturday’s (Nov 19) polls, Anwar reiterated his earlier claim that PH will form a majority government – the only difference now being that the majority is “better than expected”.
Responding to former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s adamant position against working with PH because of the DAP, Anwar said what was being proposed was not a DAP or PH government but a coalition or unity administration.
“So, I believe he has now revised his views,” the PKR president said.
Anwar added that no reference was made during today’s meeting about dropping present or anticipated corruption charges associated with BN leaders should a PH-BN unity government be formed.
“We stressed the importance of governance, which was shared, the importance of inclusiveness and unity, which was also agreed upon, and the focus on the economy,” he said.
He added: “I want to make it very clear; the issue was not raised at all, either in private or formal meetings.”
On how PH could work with BN despite being political arch-enemies and campaigning against each other during the 15th General Elections (GE15), Anwar said the fact remains that an inclusive government must be formed.
“Biggest bloc”
“We (PH) still gained and (are) generally accepted as the biggest bloc (which won) the elections, and (are) quite comfortable in terms of the number of votes we secured (if) compared to Perikatan Nasional (PN). That is accepted.
“But we still require the support of all parties (to form a government),” he said, adding that while PH is open to working with the Borneo bloc, formal negotiations are limited to just BN for now.
The key and fundamental issue here, the incoming Tambun MP explained, is to not have any compromises when it comes to governance and the economy.
“And once that is agreed upon, then you have to move on – as we have always said, we have to save the country.”
Asked if any conditions have been set imposed by BN as part of the unity government agreement, Anwar indicated that they may hold Cabinet positions.
“I have said and may I reiterate that I am extremely pleased with the pace of exchanges that we had, including the former negotiations. There were virtually no conditions attached, except for (the) issue of unity (and) focus on the economy.
“Of course, it’ll be natural to say that they must have adequate representation – in any coalition, parties must be represented, and that’s all. But no unreasonable conditions (were) imposed.”
Queried as to whether he will be the PM candidate in this PH-BN unity government set-up, Anwar said, “for now, yes”, leading to laughter from the room.
“Of course, when we discussed (this with BN), it was predicated upon having Anwar as the candidate for (the) premiership,” Anwar said when asked whether BN was agreeable to this plan, adding: “They did not suggest any other name in the discussions.”
He also said he should assume the premiership first before talking about his preferred deputies. – Nov 21, 2022
