KUALA LUMPUR – A change of government, even in this tumultuous period, may benefit the country, said a political analyst, following Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s claim that he has the numbers to oust Perikatan Nasional.
Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute Centre for Public Policy Studies chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam told The Vibes that an administration with a proven solid majority – unlike Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s government, which has the backing of only 114 of the 222 MPs – will boost investor confidence in Malaysia.
“Yes, the timing may not be ideal. But confidence in the current administration is already not very convincing, and things will only aggravate when they find out Anwar has gotten more support. It will lead to more uncertainty.
“If Anwar can prove he has the majority, investors will have confidence.
“The leaders can compromise and ensure a harmonious transition. Assuming Anwar has the numbers, there would be no need to call for elections. The new government can take over and run smoothly with greater confidence.”
It has been little over a week since the opposition leader told a special press conference that the PN administration has collapsed and he has the backing of almost two-thirds of parliamentarians.
He has not revealed just how many are on his side or their identities, pending an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Sources have told The Vibes that the PKR president has 15 Umno MPs in his corner.
The timing of Anwar’s announcement has been panned, coming amid the Covid-19 pandemic, three days before the Sabah election, and with the tabling of Budget 2021 and the 12th Malaysia Plan looming.
Continue Perikatan policies
Ramon said it is vital for Anwar to continue the good work done by the Muhyiddin government, including the implementation of policies and initiatives to contain the coronavirus and revive the pandemic-battered economy.
“If the new government can carry on with the current policies that are fair and seem to be working well, then fine. Governments come and go, but the civil service, which implements (the policies), remains.
“The people might not really care who leads as long as they feel that the right policies are pursued and implemented effectively for maximum benefit to the country and rakyat.”
Also key to securing public support is for Anwar to prove that his government is fair, pragmatic and balanced, and rejects extremism, racism and religious bigotry, said Ramon.
Dangers of instability
Whether Muhyiddin or Anwar, said Malaysian Institute of Economic Research’s Shankaran Nambiar, the person holding the prime minister’s post will face a difficult time given the fallout from the pandemic.
“The next few months will be dire, regardless of who occupies the top position. And I think the markets will have to get used to a new decade of political uncertainty.
“If it is not Anwar, it will be someone else who wants to offer his leadership, and the debates are not centred around economic ideologies or policies.”
Meanwhile, former Institute for Development Studies Sabah CEO Datuk Johan Ariffin Samad said Anwar’s announcement rattled the PN government, which already has its hands full dealing with the virus crisis.
He warned of the various risks posed by instability, particularly with regard to investor confidence.
“(Anwar’s announcement) affects the stability of the PN administration at a time when we need a steady government to deal with the pandemic and drive the country forward.
“Any instability can be destructive, affecting investor confidence.
“Business people are nervous. They just want stability to return to the country as soon as possible.” – The Vibes, October 1, 2020
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