Defending S’gor, Penang, Negri enough for unity coalition: Guan Eng 

KUALA LUMPUR – There is no pressing need for the unity government to secure victory in all six states in the coming elections, according to Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-Pakatan Harapan) (PH), who said it would be sufficient only to defend those the coalition is already ruling.

The DAP chairman said this is enough to ensure the stability of the federal government is maintained throughout its whole term, as desired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

Lim, however, acknowledged that these state polls which are due by the middle of this year will be the next major test for the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led administration following the prime minister's success in the vote of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat last December. 

“We in the unity government will not be arrogant like our opponent who is confident of winning all six states,” he said when debating the royal address in Parliament here today. 

“Those of us here feel that it would suffice if we can defend the three states held by parties in the government, namely Negri Sembilan, Selangor and Penang. 

“I believe victories in these states will guarantee the unity government can govern for five years.”

The three other states which will similarly face elections by the middle of this year are the PAS-held Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah. 

While not mentioning names, Lim’s comment appears to be in reference to former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s (Pagoh-Perikatan Nasional) (PN) remark in the house yesterday when he warned of public backlash in the coming polls following the alleged corruption witch-hunt by the government against PN leaders. 

Muhyiddin, who is PN chairman, had expressed confidence that the coalition’s wave seen in the last general election would continue in all the six states. 

Later, Lim made a comment on a video of a PAS supporter purportedly threatening to slaughter non-Muslims for having different political ideologies, which sparked a shouting match in the august house. 

Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut-PN) accused the former finance minister of spreading lies and demanded the latter retract his statement for confusing the house. 

Lim, however, maintained his statement, saying that there is evidence of the said hateful speech available online. 

After a lengthy row, which saw some other lawmakers getting involved, Deputy Speaker Alice Lau told those who were dissatisfied to file a proper motion to the speaker's office. 

Separately, Lim urged the government to suspend the enforcement of the newly amended working hours from 48 hours per week to 45 amid the ongoing sluggish economy. 

He claimed that reducing working hours would negatively impact small and medium enterprises (SME), which are already forced to face rising costs of operations. 

“I ask that this policy be temporarily suspended. I'm not asking to do away completely, but implement it at a more appropriate time,” he said. 

“I know my comment will draw the attention of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress, but I worry that if the policy continues it will hurt SMEs.” – The Vibes, February 16, 2023