KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the apparent disunity among Malay political parties in the nation, former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas foresees that the bickering outfits may be able to see eye to eye after the 15th general election (GE15), saying that they might even form a united Malay coalition.
Alluding that there will be no one party or coalition that would garner a majority of votes in the looming polls, Thomas said the fighting among parties like PAS, Umno, Bersatu and Pejuang will soon be forgotten as there will be pleas for a united Malay government.
“My concern is that post-GE15, we will enter a bargaining phase,” he said at a forum entitled “Dark Forces Towards GE15” held here today.
Also present as panellists were DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, PSM chairman Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, lawyer Siti Kasim, former Sg Benut MP Mohd Tawfik Ismail and former Bersih chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.
“The real negotiations (will happen) post-elections and that is when there will be a united Malay coalition.
“I’m alerting you that all fighting between the Malay parties’ pre-elections will be forgotten after GE15 as there will again be pleas for a united Malay leadership.”
Therefore, should Pakatan Harapan (PH) wish to reclaim Putrajaya, Thomas called on the opposition coalition to put emphasis on three key areas.
He advised PH to ask voters if a “Malay-dominated government” is better and more “efficient”.
“The Malay electorate will say that the government has done such a bad job on governance and that the Malay-dominated government has failed.
“You must make an issue.
“The second issue is cancer of corruption – the opposition must focus on this issue and have three or four positive suggestions to combat it.”
He also highlighted the dire economic situation since the fall of the PH government two years ago, saying it would be prudent for the opposition bloc to harp on the issue as well.
GE15: PH should go with ‘never again’ theme
Meanwhile, Ambiga has called on opposition parties to go with the theme of “never again”, emphasising the message to voters to never vote for corrupt politicians again.
“That should be what resounds in the next election.”
However, she expressed concerns that certain quarters may not be on the same page to achieve victory in the upcoming general election.
“I want to be sure that every single person in the opposition wants to win the next election.
“To me, it can be done but every single one of them must have the same plan, they must be on the same page.”
In addition, she also urged Bersih to organise a rally for the people to demand all political parties field good candidates, not those who are corrupt and dishonest.
“Ultimately, it is down to people acting in good faith to choose their leaders wisely. Don’t just vote for anyone.”
Mahathir, Anwar dark forces in M’sia politics
Meanwhile, Tawfik said there are two dark forces in Malaysian politics – former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Pointing out that Dr Mahathir has caused “problems” since he held the position in 1981, he said the “corruption” started with the Langkawi MP and it will not end with him.
“He has put the seeds of destruction and those seeds have yet to grow because those seeds have been planted in the minds of his followers.
“I think this is where the danger really lies in the future.
“Secondly, it’s Anwar’s ambition to be prime minister. I think if Anwar gives his throne to Nurul Izzah, I think the big wave will come and PH will have a better chance (at winning in GE15).” – The Vibes, September 17, 2022
