Broker peace deal with Opposition for good of the nation, govt urged

PETALING JAYA: The government should seize the opportunity to work with the Opposition for the betterment of the nation, says political scientist Wong Chin Huat.

His remarks come after His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, said in his royal address in Parliament yesterday that he would not entertain any request from any party that compromises the country’s political stability.

Wong said Articles 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution give the King discretionary powers in the appointment of a new prime minister and the withholding of royal consent for the request of an early election by an ousted prime minister.

“This means that Istana Negara will not entertain the drama of statutory declaration (SD) collecting and counting,” he told The Star when contacted yesterday.

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Describing political stability as a “tango”, Wong suggested that the government seize the opportunity to invite the Opposition to negotiate a political peace deal.

“Meanwhile, the government must also treat the Opposition fairly and not try to break up the Opposition by weaponising resource allocation, including constituency allocations,” he added.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) executive director Sevan Doraisamy said His Majesty’s statement provided an opportunity for the government to implement its promised structural reforms.“After five years of political instability, the government now has the active opportunity and duty to implement effective key structural reforms within clearly specified timelines.

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“This includes, but is not limited to, the separation of powers between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor, parliamentary and electoral reforms, as well as revamps of institutions.

“This will help to ensure political stability by restoring public confidence in the government,” said Sevan.