IT doesn’t matter where the move to topple the Unity Government is made - Dubai, Chow Kit or Timbuktu. And if it’s real, then Malaysia doesn’t need it.
Such talk gives rise to the perception that Malaysia is not politically stable, which will only lead to foreign investors not committing to any ventures as any change of government could only bring a shift in policies.
One year has passed and during that time, we have been subjected to all kinds of speculation on the durability of the Anwar Administration.
The main question being; could Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last even a year as PM?
But PMX, as the country’s 10th Prime Minister, has managed to hold the reins and secure a comfortable two-thirds majority at the Dewan Rakyat.
After having four prime ministers in five years, it’s safe to say that most of us are not keen to go through another turbulent period.
It is important to note that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has decreed that Istana Negara will not get involved in political manoeuvres.
In fact, His Majesty also decreed that Anwar and his Madani Government are to continue managing the country’s affairs.
It simply means the King, whose reign ends on Jan 31, is not in a mood to grant an audience to anyone who claims to have a list of statutory declarations to change the Federal Government.
Likewise, the Sultan of Johor, the incoming King, will not be granting an audience to anyone until he assumes the role of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has decreed that he would not be accepting any appointments, except for previously scheduled ones as well as the weekly audience with the Johor Mentri Besar and state government.
For certain, some of the Rulers have become wary and cautious when meeting with political figures, as they do not want any encounters to be misinterpreted and worse, politically exploited.
So, the best thing to do is avoid any controversies at this crucial juncture, when the King is about to complete his five-year term while the new King has yet to take over officially.
His Majesty holds the record of having four PMs during his time and in 2020, Anwar, too, told the King he had a convincing majority in Parliament and that then-PM Tan Sri Muhyidddin Yassin must resign.
After meeting Al-Sultan Abdullah, Anwar announced he had registered a “formidable convincing majority among the parliamentarians.’’
The King wasn’t convinced and for sure, please do not expect the present and incoming kings to entertain any politician with claims of having the support of 120 Members of Parliament and seek to now replace the Unity Government.
Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has said that Anwar should be given a chance to prove himself, pointing out that it is not possible for PMX to make changes in just one year.
Even most Malaysians aren’t convinced. Without the Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s 23 MPs, there is little possibility of a change of government.
Anwar has the support of Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, the Premier of Sarawak, who has declared that 2024 will be the best year for Sarawak.
Predicting a 5-6% economic growth for Sarawak, he has allocated RM9bil for development.
He knows the state will get more concessions from Anwar and in return, he would place his support for Anwar.
His comments on the Dubai move were simple and short: “it’s a waste of time”, in reaction to the alleged meeting in the United Arab Emirates involving opposition leaders and some government officials with the aim of carrying out a coup against Anwar and his government.
“What’s next - the Monaco move or London move? “ he asked, saying Sarawak will just focus on development.
There is no need to travel to Dubai or anywhere else, opposition MPs need just to table a vote of no confidence at the next Parliament meeting, raise their hands to prove the numbers.
Or better still, wait for the next general election. Work on being a good opposition now.
Can we all just move on? Meanwhile, the rest of us have lots of work to do.
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Wong Chun Wai
Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.
