DESPITE attempts to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX), his unity government remains strong and united.
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has reiterated that he and other Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders, including Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, are committed maintain political stability.
“GPS’ main focus is to form a strong and stable government because the country needs to move forward,” he told FocusM. “West and East Malaysians should set aside the differences and stay united. That is the advice from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who in his wisdom suggested the setting up of a unity government.”
Although UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also a DPM himself may face pressure from certain quarters within his party, it has to be borne in mind that Anwar’s decades of comradeship with Zahid goes as far back to the 1970s when both were student activists at Universiti Malaya.
With his court cases now pending, Zahid is unlikely to turn his back on Anwar. In order for the unity government to move forward with the reforms, Anwar has no choice but to remain pragmatic.
UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also opined that in view of an anti-hopping law in place, it would “difficult to topple Anwar’s administration.”
The National Patriot Association president Brig Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohd Arshad Raji had warned that the PATRIOT “takes a very serious stance in the wake of talks about overthrowing a democratically elected unity government.”
“PATRIOT,” he said in a statement, “warns any such individuals and groups out to undermine the unity government that was sanctioned by none other than our Constitutional Monarch.”
While all this war of words is ongoing, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was quoted in an English daily saying that the unity government is still going strong and functioning well.
Corruption and eradication of poverty
Meanwhile, Anwar’s resolution to fight corruption has received commendation from Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) president Dr Muhammad Mohan for his “commitment to practicing good governance, transparency, integrity, and accountability in his government gives fresh hope for the country’s fight against corruption”.
The Al-Jazeera in its March 10 edition quoted Monash University Malaysia’s economics department head, Grace Lee that, when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) pressed a number of charges against former premier Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, it “could bolster the reformist Anwar’s anti-corruption drive” and “allow his government to showcase progress under his leadership”.
So, it is obvious now why Anwar Ibrahim has ticked off PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to “carry on dreaming of government’s collapse”.
Since taking office, the PMX has paid a lot of attention on the B40 community. The legendary Robin Hood seems to be lifted out of a 14th century play written by the poet, priest and courtier John Skelton.
After the spotlight on BERNAS’ monopoly, billionaire tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary agreed with Anwar to allocate RM10 mil this year for the poor local farmers. “BERNAS will allocate another RM50 mil by next year,” Anwar was quoted saying.
Anwar’s large scale nationwide anti-corruption drive will benefit the B40 group in that the seized money can eventually be distributed to the poor and marginalised.
Business people who had to compete with others who are willing to dish out bribes to secure government contracts will also see a more level playing field if the country is headed to become a less corrupt nation.
So, the mantra “Collapse, Collapse, Collapse” may be chanted by the Opposition politicians and their supporters, but to topple Anwar who is also the Finance Minister may lead to wrath of the people as he is clearly the man for the hour.
His unity government will stay for as long as the people are with the unity government. – May 4, 2023
Main pic credit: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook
