KOTA BARU – There is a possibility of a snap election by year-end as the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition government appears to be at its wits’ end struggling to hold on to power, judging by its disappointing handling of the pandemic, said Amanah vice-president Datuk Husam Musa.
Husam, who is a former PAS strategist, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been playing the delay game despite calls to convene Parliament ahead of the expiration of the emergency proclamation on August 1.
Instead of leaving PN’s fate to other politicians, it is likely the coalition would prefer a snap election, where the people get to decide, he added.
“PN will prolong the process and resist all attempts (to convene Parliament) until October, when it is hoped that the country will achieve herd immunity against Covid-19.
“Another way to go is for PN to dissolve Parliament and wait for the maximum 60 days to call for an election, which, by then, herd immunity may be within reach.
“Let’s face it: PN is safeguarding itself from a parliamentary sitting.
“In the Dewan Rakyat, I think it is safe to say that PN is a minority government, especially when Umno is not on the same page with Bersatu leading the coalition.”
Husam added that the state of emergency has nothing to do with the pandemic, as is evident by the rising number of infections and deaths from the virus since January.
“It is raw politics at its best. Hanging on to power by politicising the pandemic.”
He also floated the possibility of the return of Pakatan Harapan to federal power through confidence motions, which have been filed to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun.
Despite PN clinging to power, Husam said the coalition should recognise the demands of the people and respect the wishes of the monarchy.
He added that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Conference of Rulers have clearly suggested that Muhyiddin proceed with holding a parliamentary sitting as soon as possible.
“It is best to return to the politics of honour and ethics.”
Meanwhile, Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said it is obvious that there is a split in PAS between those aligned with president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and his deputy, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
“One supports the Perikatan Nasional coalition under Muhyiddin while the other allegedly prefers to maintain ties achieved under Muafakat Nasional with Umno.”
He added that the decree from the king indicates that Parliament should convene before August, not in September or October.
The emergency proclamation was made under Article 150 (1) of the federal constitution and the Agong has the right to decide when to hold or defer parliamentary sittings, he added. – The Vibes, June 21, 2021
