Hassan welcomes new 12-party coalition, says good for democracy

A senior PKR lawmaker has welcomed the formation of a new 12-party opposition loose coalition, while cautioning that the government bloc faces internal weaknesses.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement earlier today marked a “positive development” for Malaysian democracy as the country heads towards the 16th general election, expected within two to three years.

“The government’s advantage lies in its greater cohesion and experience of nearly three years, while the opposition’s 12-party coalition under Muhyiddin remains loose and still in its experimental stage,” he said in a statement.

Hassan contrasted the potential benefits of the opposition pact - with its focus on the economy, public finances, government administration, corruption, cost of living, taxes and subsidies - to current clashes between Umno and DAP within the government front.

He pointed to the war of words between Umno and DAP over the “upside-down flag” controversy, warning that it could erode public support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

“What has benefited the Madani government so far is that it is seen as moderate, non-racial, and focused on social justice for all, as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan.

“The government is set to introduce a fairer and more inclusive economic policy, shifting from race-based economic solutions to needs-based solutions regardless of race. In short: justice for all,” he said.

“This political recipe provides the Madani coalition parties an advantage to win and secure broad support in GE16, provided that the unnecessary clashes between Umno Youth and DAP Youth are resolved quickly before Malaysians nationwide grow disillusioned with the Anwar-led administration,” said Hassan.

Umno-DAP spat

In recent days, DAP Youth state chapters called for the party to sever ties with Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, including any cooperation during GE16.

Akmal had led a rally against a hardware store owner in Kepala Batas, Penang, last Friday, after the businessperson was caught on video hanging the national flag upside-down. The Umno Youth chief is being investigated for sedition over the demonstration.

Hassan said the emergence of two large political blocs - 12 in the opposition and 18 in the government - would help create a “peaceful atmosphere” leading up to GE16.

He noted that the opposition coalition now includes not only Malay-based parties but also Gerakan as a “Chinese-based multiracial party”, Indian-based parties, and Muda.

“With such a coalition representing all races and religions, each party will be compelled to abandon narrow racial and religious rhetoric and narratives.

“Instead, they will opt for a middle ground with more moderate political approaches,” he said.

The loose coalition includes Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Pejuang, Muda, Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), Putra, Berjasa, Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP), and the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman).

Urimai, which has yet to be registered as a legitimate political party, is also included.

‘Truly multiracial Madani’

Hassan described the Madani administration as Malaysia’s “first truly multiracial and multi-faith government since Independence.”

“Under the leadership of Anwar, president of the multiracial PKR and chairperson of Pakatan Harapan - a coalition of PKR, DAP, and Amanah that upholds justice-based multiracial policies - the government has been functioning for nearly three years since November 2022.

“This coalition government encompasses almost all political parties from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, representing Malaysia’s diverse ethnicities and religions,” he said, adding that this experience in power was an advantage heading into GE16.

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