GEORGE TOWN – Snap elections are the best way to climb out of the political quagmire that emerged after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed majority support in Parliament, said Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.
The Perlis Umno man said Malaysia needs a strong government to overcome the numerous problems – from economic to social – brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I hope we can just hold an election and let the people decide who they want leading the country.”
He said the Covid-19 outbreak has been largely contained in the country despite an alarming spike of 134 cases in Sabah yesterday just as it gears up for state elections on Saturday.
Several Barisan Nasional MPs, too, believe that a general election is the only solution, he added.
Zahidi’s view is shared by political scientist Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“The people are uneasy with what is going on in the country, especially with the pandemic.”
He said citizens should be the ones to decide who is best suited to run the nation, and that politicians must respect the outcome of democratic practices.
Yesterday, Anwar told a special press conference that he has “strong, formidable and convincing” support in Parliament, and that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s government has collapsed.
Sources later told The Vibes that 15 Umno MPs have thrown their support behind the PKR president, sealing the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration’s fall.
The situation is unlike the “Sheraton Move” that ended Pakatan Harapan’s time in office after just 22 months, said Sivamurugan, as Anwar appears to have courted individual lawmakers regardless of party, while the political turmoil in February saw PH losing a component when Muhyiddin took Bersatu out of the pact and formed PN with Barisan Nasional, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
Also, the identities of government MPs backing Anwar are being kept secret, adding to the “mystery”.
“It is the absolute right of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to decide whether an election should be held, or whether it is status quo, or if Anwar has the merits to form the next government.”
Former Padang Serai MP N. Gobalakrishnan said Anwar has become irrelevant and will not make a good prime minister.
“Anwar has no vision for the country. He only wants to become prime minister.” – The Vibes, September 24, 2020
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