Dr M's proposal of unity govt raised again

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal of a unity govt is being brought up again, with a fan club of the former premier claiming that putting aside party politics and the formation of a unity govt is the best way forward.

"When a country is being tested, a unity government is the best formula.

"Party politics needs to be put aside right now and only the country's interest should be given priority. This also welcomes Yang di-Pertuan Agong's call to stop politicking," said a post on the Kelab Che Det Facebook's page on Thursday (Oct 29).

The club said that if the formation of a unity government happens, it is hoped that it will not only defend the interests and the welfare of multiracial Malaysians, but will also focus on the country's economic recovery efforts that is increasingly challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic, political upheaval as well as the uncertain global economic situation.

The Facebook post had also posted pictures of Gua Musang MP and Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu meeting Dr Mahathir on Monday (Oct 26), Tuesday (Oct 27), Wednesday (Oct 28) respectively.

On Wednesday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah advised all MPs, regardless of party, to stop the political squabbling and give their full support to Budget 2021.

In response to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's call, Dr Mahathir said its party, Pejuang, welcomed the advice to politicians to reduce their politicking.

Dr Mahathir had also said that his party will cooperate with all politicians to address the threat of Covid-19.

The political squabbling in the country on who has parliamentary majority has engulfed the nation for months after PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had claimed back in Sept 24 that he had a “strong, formidable majority” to form a new Federal Government.

In February, Dr Mahathir proposed to lead a unity government and invited lawmakers from across rival political parties to join.

He believed this was the way to resolve the political turmoil then.

The proposal failed to take off with major political parties from both sides of the divide rejecting it.