KEPALA BATAS – The unity element which Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) alliance has espoused runs the risk of only existing at the leadership level but not so firmly among the grassroots of both sides, said an Umno political analyst.
This is why the two coalitions who lead the federal Unity Government struggled in last month's six-state elections with their voter numbers dropping, said Azizi Safar. Eventhough PH won the twin by-elections in Pulai and Simpang Jeram on August 12, there is no denying that voters, particularly the Malays, continue to move away from the unity alliance.
Azizi, who analyses politics in the northern region, reckoned that the losses which PH and BN endured in the states of Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan and especially Selangor, were due to the lack of harmony among their own grassroots.
The Umno-led BN continues to struggle in the wake of the unrest within the Malay-Muslim political ground, he said in an interview
Hence, the suggestion by Umno Supreme Council member Isham Jalil that BN remains in the unity government to provide stability but contests on its own in future elections has merits although it may be unsettling to some quarters, said Azizi.
To prove Isham wrong, Azizi addeds, the leaders of the unity bloc should spend more time among their grassroots to lobby their members to support their government.
"Also, we need to explain and clarify any misgivings that the grassroots may have. This premise is for all parties in the unity bloc, but particularly (grassroots of) Umno and DAP."
There is also a degree of confusion among the grassroots on this matter, said Azizi.
"Although I am neither a fan nor supporter of Isham, his contention that we contest separately but remain in the unity government, needs pondering by the leadership," he said.
Azizi made his observation amid reports quoting Isham that he may be sacked from the party for his stance against cooperating with DAP.
According to Azizi, the grassroots need to be convinced to support the unity concept, as if it is forced upon them, as they may boycott and support the Perikatan Nasional (PN) in protest.
Former PKR Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong Khan Lee said that the benefit of doubt needs to be accorded here, as any new "marriage" needs time to have an understanding.
But Ong said that the best way to resolve the political quandary is through a merger of parties, as there are too many organisations now offering the same services and promises.
"Too many cooks (politicians) are spoiling the soup (country). We need to scale down the parties and focus on delivering to the people our promises," said Ong.
Appoint those who can genuinely lead
Political observer Hussain Ahmad, who provides input to corporate entities in Penang, said that politicians need to make big "sacrifices" if they want to see the country regain its rightful path as a progressive moderate nation.
"The sacrifices come in giving way for more qualified and capable leaders to lead. At times in life to move forward, we need to take one step backwards first," he said.
Hussain said that leadership status should be accorded to those who can genuinely lead, and such skills should not necessarily mean that the leaders should only come only from those with the most money or power.
It should be among leaders, who have the right skills to bring the country forward instead of been bogged down by excessive politicking, he said. ---The Vibes, September 12, 2023.
