Constitutional law expert Abdul Aziz Bari believes there are two major obstacles in the way of Malaysia becoming a two-party state.

NONE “Our constitutional system is fairly good and quite friendly to a two-party system of governance. But the environment to nurture and sustain this is not there,” said Abdul Aziz, also a political analyst.

“The way people view and exercise power cannot be changed overnight. The fact that (PAS state commissioner) Hasan Ali's antics in Selangor were condoned by some tells us that an appropriate political culture is wanting.

“The same could be said about the way we look at corruption and abuse of power, something which Malaysians seemed to be complacent about, as shown in a study .”

The second hurdle, he said, is a lack of understanding of a two-party state among politicians in the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

For example, he cited the resistance put up by PAS leaders such as Terengganu deputy commissioner Abu Bakar Chik, who has claimed that a two-party system would ignore internal party procedures.

zaid ibrahim There is also a lack of commitment to the idea of a two-party system, going by the reluctance demonstrated by several PKR leaders to a suggestion by Pakatan coordinator Zaid Ibrahim (right) that Kelantan MB Nik Aziz be picked as the coalition’s figurehead.

“It is regrettable, as now is the best opportunity for us to make this happen. The two-party system is crucial if we are to move forward,” said Abdul Aziz.

Solid foundation

He noted that the opportunity to build a two-party system has never looked better because of leaders in Pakatan who are serious and committed.

Pakatan supremo Anwar Ibrahim, PAS spiritual adviser Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Zaid are working tirelessly towards forging a committed and united vision, he said.

azlan Unlike the Gagasan Rakyat/Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah led by veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah in the 1990s or Barisan Alternatif in 1999, Abdul Aziz believes that Pakatan has put in place a solid foundation.

“The incompetence and corruption on the part of the sitting government will also help to tip the scales of political balance.”

While a two-party system will not solve all the problems plaguing the nation, it will pave the way for more accountable governance , which is sorely lacking.

“There will be no room for complacency, as both sides have to compete on a level playing field,” he added.