Despite olive branch, opposition will still provide checks and balances on govt: Shamsul

KUALA LUMPUR – The opposition will continue to provide a system of checks and balances against the government despite the olive branch extended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said PKR information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

Shamsul, who is also Hang Tuah Jaya MP, said although Ismail Sabri proposed bipartisan cooperation with Pakatan Harapan leaders, the opposition will not be a part of the administration via a unity government.

He also said it was too early to draw conclusions on the cooperation as Ismail Sabri is using the same approach as his predecessor, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, at the tail end of his tenure in at attempt to save his position.

“What’s interesting is that the discussion, led by Datuk Seri Anwar (Ibrahim and Ismail Sabri), was held before the cabinet was formed.

“This approach shows the extent of the weakness of the government collective led by Ismail Sabri,” he said in Astro Awani’s Dialog Tiga Penjuru segment titled Kerajaan-Pembangkang: Bersama dan Berfungsi (Government-Opposition: Together and Functional) yesterday.

His remarks comes on the heels of Ismail Sabri holding a meeting with the PH presidential council comprising PKR president Anwar, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu on Wednesday.

The meeting saw the opposition signalling support for Ismail Sabri should a confidence vote be called in Parliament under the condition that the leader prioritises the needs of the people and addresses the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the economic crisis.

Ismail Sabri’s meeting with the PH leaders was also a sign that opposition leaders will be invited to become join the National Recovery Council (NRC), as well as other related task forces.

Despite this, Shamsul said the opposition will continue its role in acting as a counter-balance through Parliament.

“A unity government is when there is representation from all parties among the government and opposition, which then sit together in cabinet.

“This opportunity seems to have been closed, so the remaining avenue is to benefit from Parliament as best as possible and conduct checks and balances. Therefore, I believe the atmosphere will surely be more conducive and progressive.”

Shamsul also added that the government could also consider extending the duration of Parliament sittings when they convene in the future to ensure that policies and initiatives are thoroughly scrutinised.

Meanwhile, Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan praised Ismail Sabri for making the unprecedented move to invite the opposition to the government fold.

“It is a step that has never been taken before, that is, not only an invitation to his office but also the issuing of a joint statement. Although it is in its early stages, cooperation is something that we need.”

Shahril also said Ismail Sabri’s peace-making deal with the opposition does not need to only be a one-time offer.

“Even after Covid, there can be a multiparty system in the nation’s political landscape,” Shahril said.

“Perhaps this is a development that will evolve from time to time.” – The Vibes, August 27, 2021