MUDA’s threat to withdraw support for the unity government if the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) failed to explain its decision to withdraw the 47 corruption charges against Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will not affect the administrative structure of the government.
Political analysts are of the opinion that Muda’s one seat in Parliament and one seat in the state legislative assembly do not have a significant impact on bringing down the government.
In addition, they argued that coalition giants of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) should not cave in and entertain the demand despite Muda’s consistent calls for accountability and transparency.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst Prof Sivamurugan Pandian said that Muda demanding an explanation in terms of Zahid’s court case does not suit the party since two of its leaders are also facing prosecution in court.
“If Muda withdraws their support, it will not affect the unity government led by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” Sivamurugan was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia yesterday (Sept 7).
“Muda should not involve political parties and seek clarification from the authorities, namely the Attorney-General.
“Even if they are determined to withdraw support, there is no need to accept their demands because Muda members themselves are facing prosecution. Let’s say Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman himself is granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, must his case be brought to and discussed in Parliament as well?
“The message Muda is attempting to convey appears to believe in transparency, democracy, and freedom, and Muda wishes to have their voice heard in this matter. However, it must be rational and practical.”
Concurring with Sivamurugan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Dr Jamaie Hamil similarly believes that there is no interference between the executive and the judiciary branches of the government in terms of Zahid’s release.
Having said that, if it is true that some parties believe there is executive interference, Syed Saddiq should consider his own status in the event of his prosecution in court, Jamaie added.
“He himself is involved in court issues, so he can surmise if there are negotiations between government and judiciary in his case,” he told the news portal.
“Furthermore, with only one parliamentary seat, perhaps Muda wants to show that their struggle and demands are non-negotiable in terms of clean and transparent (politics),” he said.
On Monday (Sept 4), Muda had threatened to withdraw its support for the coalition government with Syed Saddiq saying his party would not hesitate to reevaluate its position in the coalition.
Muda is also considering a street protest, adding that the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Zahid is “one of the biggest red lines crossed”.
“That’s why Muda has taken the measure of launching a protest campaign on the streets, on social media as well as a ‘Kempen Dakwa Zahid’ or #DakwaZahid, which is based on three claims. We demand those claims be fulfilled,” Syed Saddiq was reported as saying by Malaysiakini at a press conference at Muda’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya on Monday (Sept 5).
“If those claims are not fulfilled, we will take actions as a party.” – Sept 8, 2023
Main pic credit: Twitter/Luqman Long
