ADUN SPEAKS | Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin rejected the idea of a unity government proposed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agung in a meeting yesterday.

Pakatan Harapan chief Anwar Ibrahim who also met the Agong did not comment on this idea of a unity government.

In fact, Anwar knowing his diplomatic skills would not have rejected the idea because it was he who mooted the idea of a unity government with the possible inclusion of BN and GPS.

There was no way that Anwar could have rejected the idea of a unity government predicated on the notion to bring about political stability, good governance and proper economic management.

The idea of a unity government is not alien to Malaysia.

The formation of BN in the aftermath of the 1969 racial riots was a successful attempt at unity government.

The BN brought in 14 component political parties within its fold to reduce extreme politicking in the interest of interracial stability.

The Agong is a keen observer of the Malaysian political scene.

His Majesty knows for sure there is a dire need on the part of political parties or coalitions to come together for inducing political stability in the country.

The idea of the unity government was mooted by the king in the larger context where there is no one political coalition that managed to win a majority of the parliamentary seats.

Harapan obtained 82 seats, while PN and BN got 73 and 30 seats respectively.

To overcome the effect of a hung Parliament, the Agong may have suggested a unity government formula to the coalitions to adhere.

It was certainly undiplomatic and ungracious for Muhyiddin to have outrightly rejected a noble idea from the king.

At least he could have said that he will consider the idea especially when it came from the constitutional monarch.

No permanency in politics

In this respect, the Agong knew the pressing needs of the country much more than the power-crazy Muhyiddin.

Anwar out of respect decided to have an elegant silence over the matter.

It was out of his profound respect for the Agong.

Muhyiddin’s abhorrence of the noble idea of a unity government provides indications of the kind of leader he will be.

I think PN’s winning more seats than Umno with the crucial role of PAS has gone to his head.

There is no permanency in politics.

There is no guarantee that PN will be able to go beyond the present winnings in the next GE16.

What is needed in the country at present are leaders who will think and act in the larger interests of all Malaysians irrespective of race or religion.

Harapan by winning the most number of seats has proposed Anwar as the prime minister. There couldn’t be a better choice.

Anwar wants a unity government to heal and rejuvenate the entire country from the entrapments of corruption and abuse of power.

P RAMASAMY is the Perai assemblyperson and Penang deputy chief minister II.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.