KUALA LUMPUR – The unity government proposed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was meant to reunite Malaysians after an election period that saw certain quarters employing rhetoric that left the country divided.
This was the assessment made by Pakatan Harapan (PH) communication director Fahmi Fadzil, who noted that despite this, a certain party had stubbornly refused to accede to the king’s advice.
While not mentioning any names, Fahmi was ostensibly referring to Perikatan Nasional (PN), the sole coalition which has opted not to join the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking in an interview with Sinar Harian, the Lembah Pantai MP noted how PN had rejected an olive branch held out by Anwar, adding that the public can judge which party had publicly disobeyed His Majesty.
“To me, this government was formed taking into consideration the election atmosphere, in which rhetoric was sharp and divisive,” he said.
“This, for me, is the background to why the Agong, in his wisdom, had advised the formation of a unity government – to reunite the rakyat, and not divide, incite and sow the seeds of hatred. This was repeated by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan when chairing a Conference of Malay Rulers meeting.
“So, if the Malay rulers have spoken, we should listen, welcome and respect them. Why are you being so stubborn?”
In the 15th general election, no single party or coalition had obtained the required 112 simple majority of seats in Parliament to form the government, prompting the Agong to suggest a unity government.
While Anwar was open to the idea, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had told the press after an audience with the king three days following the general election that he had objected to the proposal, insisting the coalition would not work with PH.
Despite this, in his first press conference as prime minister, Anwar again said he was open to accepting PN in the unity government. However, Muhyiddin maintained that PN will serve as the opposition.
Acknowledging possible challenges of a unity government, Fahmi said the key to ensuring its success is to find a middle ground among all the component parties. Taking election manifestos as an example, Fahmi noted that each party may have their own.
“To me, it is the middle ground that we need to work on first. Most importantly now is the issue of the people’s economy. That becomes our middle ground in this unity government.
No witch hunts, civil servants won’t lose jobs
Addressing concerns and claims that many civil servants might be retrenched due to a smaller cabinet, Fahmi allayed these concerns, assuring that their jobs are safe.
The newly appointed digital communications minister said it is the government’s objective to ensure that all ministries and agencies continue to function.
“We don’t want a situation where the whole staff are sacked. To me, this is not the answer, but will only lead to new problems.
“What’s important is there must be a change to the culture. And this was stressed by Anwar during his first meeting with the civil servants recently. We must be together to bring changes to the agencies, ministries and the country for the rakyat’s benefit.”
Fahmi also gave the assurance that the new government is not out on a witch hunt or to seek revenge against anyone.
He said the administration’s intention is clear – to develop the country at a time when the ringgit is depreciating, the stock market is weak, and foreign investors’ confidence is low.
On plans to improve the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Fahmi said among other things, he wants to introduce a mechanism or algorithm to identify fake news before it becomes viral.
“It can be in the form of a programme, software or expertise. With this element, it will better assist the MCMC from merely being a responder, to identifying trends and issues that might be utilised to instil anxiety and disturbances among the rakyat.
“From there, proactive actions can be taken, not to restrict the freedom of expression, but to safeguard our security. I see this as being among the areas for review and improvement,” he said. – The Vibes, December 4, 2022
