Analysts say working together will result in post-election harmony
PETALING JAYA: Warning partners in the unity government not to attack one another will ensure all parties can get back and work together again post-election, says political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurgan Pandian.
He said attacking colleagues in the unity government could result in post-election tension, which is why it is important for the federal leaders to heed the Prime Minister’s advice.
“This is a test of political maturity, especially where the unity government is concerned.
“I believe the Prime Minister does not want a situation where his Cabinet members are unable to work alongside one another after the election,” he said.
However, Sivamurugan said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s warning must be adhered by all, including those in his coalition.
Sunway University political scientist Prof Wong Chin Huat said the Prime Minister’s reminder to federal leaders was legitimate and grounded in the doctrine of Cabinet collective responsibility.
“Government frontbenchers are a team and have to act as a team. If they disagree with any government policy or decision, they should quit the government before they criticise it,” he said.
He expected both Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who is contesting in Chennah, and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is vying for the Rantau seat, to comply.
Wong also said the doctrine of Cabinet collective responsibility doesn’t bind government backbenchers let alone non-MPs.
“Pakatan Harapan youth chief Woo Kah Leong is a state assemblyman, just like Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh.
“While Dr Akmal had previously embarrassed (Umno president Datuk Seri Dr) Ahmad Zahid (Hamidi) by attacking DAP leaders, Woo is likely to tone down to show respect to Anwar and Loke,” he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Tekno-logi Malaysia political analyst Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said clashes between allies were “indeed unavoidable” during elections, but believed that senior Cabinet ministers would ultimately heed the Prime Minister’s advice.
He described Anwar’s reminder as “accurate and significant”, as it applied not only to ministers and deputy ministers but also to heads of government agencies.
Under the principle of collective responsibility, Mazlan said, any Cabinet member or appointee who no longer agrees with the Prime Minister’s leadership or with the Cabinet’s agreed positions and then openly criticises the government, should resign or risk being removed.
