GEORGE TOWN – Malaysians must be willing to accept a minority government in view of Machang MP Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub’s decision to withdraw support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
DAP vice chairman and Tanjung MP Chow Kon Yeow said that there are many countries that are governed by minority governments, citing New Zealand’s situation before last year’s election as an example.
“But it is something new in Malaysia. This is a prospect if we avoid elections until the Covid-19 situation allows the (15th) general election to be held and if a no-confidence vote is averted.”
Jazlan, the Kelantan Umno chairman, announced yesterday that he was withdrawing support for Muhyiddin, leaving the present PN ruling government with 110 seats versus the opposition bloc, comprising Pakatan Harapan and other MPs not supporting PN, with another 110.
The MPs not in support of PN include Jazlan and Umno board of advisers’ chairman and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, the oldest-serving parliamentarian in Malaysia.
A minority government would require the cooperation of the opposition and neutrals, whose support may be needed for some legislative and policy-related matters, said Chow.
The Penang chief minister added that the minority government can continue to govern if it also reaches out to the opposition for support on certain administrative aspects such as budgetary issues .
This would be the best arrangement pending a fresh election, especially with the possibility that more Umno representatives may sever support for the embattled Muhyiddin.
Chow said this after an aid-presentation ceremony held by One Hope Charity & Welfare Bhd here.
PKR strategic planning director Sim Tze Tzin, who is Bayan Baru MP, said that what has transpired has led to the dreaded outcome of a “hung parliament”.
“Everyone now in Parliament must find a way to resolve the impasse,” he said
Having an election now is not an option due to the pandemic, said Sim – The Vibes, January 10, 2021
