YOURSAY | ‘The opposition cannot afford to grope in the dark any more.’

Zaid: Anwar must act now, name interim leader

Kim Quek: Considering the almost opposite course Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu have taken in the past, it is of vital importance that both groups must first reach a consensus on basic reforms and main governing policies, which will serve as foundation of the alliance.

The process of such consensus-building itself will catalyse mutual understanding and mutual trust.

And with such understanding and trust truly established, other issues including that of an interim PM (which may or may not be announced prior to election) can then be tackled with confidence.

Don’t forget that they still have to win over two opposing camps of voters to support the alliance this time, which will govern them both in the future.

Unless the common policy is palatable to both, and seen to be established with full sincerity, the opposition might not win all of them over to the new coalition.

Puchong MP for DAP Gobind Singh Deo did make an urgent proposal to work out a common policy framework through his statement on Feb 16. Has there been any progress in that direction?

Crucify Me But, Not My Beloved Country: Former minister Zaid Ibrahim, you are on track to give voters confidence to support the opposition. Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad will become the senior adviser to whoever leads the opposition coalition.

The picture is very clear - in the absence of Anwar Ibrahim, the top position will be between Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail or Muhyiddin Yassin. With Mahathir as adviser, the position is safe to go to the PKR president, and Muhyiddin can take the deputy spot.

Bersatu should be satisfied as the two senior top posts went to them. In recognition of Lim Kit Siang’s unblemished record and patriotic service to the nation, he should be rewarded with the position as first deputy.

So what is the big deal? With a government top-end stuffed with tested talents, Malaysia is in safe hands.

Sarawakian: I disagree with you, Zaid. Whoever is named interim prime minister will have to face the full onslaught of Umno/BN propaganda and dirty tricks department.

His or her position will not be tenable, look what happened to Anwar. For now, work on seat allocations and release Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto as soon as possible so the rakyat know what the opposition coalition is all about.

It will suffice at GE14 for Harapan to say that whoever commands the majority support of Harapan MPs will become prime minister, be it Muhyiddin, Azmin Ali, or even Anwar.

All Harapan components and MPs must state now they will respect and support the majority decision and work with the PM to save Malaysia.

Anonymous #00830595: In most robust democracies, the opposition will have a shadow cabinet. This has to be done so that people know who are the ones chosen to lead them.

The opposition cannot afford to grope in the dark any more. A more organised campaign will only make its chances to take over better and attract stronger faith from the people.

FellowMalaysian: I would like to ask Zaid why during GE13, Pakatan Rakyat's leaders had not bothered to announce who among them will become the next prime minister?

This did not create an antecedent before GE13 and why should it be now so?

Many, including Zaid, are just too preoccupied with this recurring issue which has since been compounded with Mahathir joining the fray.

I would like to tell Zaid that the current conundrum facing the opposition did not arise out of this concern.

Would it satisfy someone like Zaid if the opposition agrees to name the interim leader on condition that Anwar becomes the next PM should they win GE14?

Anonymous #13114320: I feel that this decision should be put on hold because Anwar is still the leader, just like Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi.

Appointing anyone else will cause disappointment. Just because Suu Kyi cannot be president, it doesn’t mean she couldn’t lead the party to victory.

Jaguh: Pick someone from Amanah as they are the least controversial and they are ex-PAS. The advantage is that most PAS people will appreciate this and vote for Pakatan Harapan instead of PAS. This will neutralise the PAS-Umno pact.

And the person from Amanah is none other than former menteri besar of Perak Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin. He is articulate and fair. Once Anwar is released, he can take the DPM1 post.

Anonymous_1388029052: Yes, I too suggest someone from Amanah like Khalid Samad or Nizar. I think both are capable and articulate, and acceptable to both Malays and non-Malays.

Prudent: Zaid, please control your urge to let loose for yours and the opposition's sake. Stay away from the really controversial issues which can bring out the loose cannon in you.

Discuss the interim leader issue with your colleagues and let your leaders bring out such important topics that require multi-party consensus.

And as a politician, please don't take sides in the Mandeep Singh issue. His statement has apparently discredited him among some of the opposition's most loyal supporters. You don't want to alienate yourself from the opposition's core supporters, do you?

DAP through Seremban MP Anthony Loke has already stated that they are ready to have a woman as PM. Zaid should read the nuance that Wan Azizah would be the PM if the opposition wins GE14.

By publicly harping about the need for Anwar to name an interim leader, Zaid has failed to read the nuances and cast doubts on Wan Azizah's suitability to be interim PM.

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