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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright April 2023
PKR MP Hassan Karim has warned that dropping charges against Zahid Hamidi and securing a royal pardon for Najib Razak would result in the downfall of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. But then again it he might be wrong and the issues may not even cause a ripple.
First the argument from Hassan Karim who said, "The political coalition of PH and PKR will be rejected by the people in the forthcoming six state elections. This will be followed by PH and PKR being rejected by the people at the next general election.
"In the end, PH and PKR will collapse together with Barisan Nasional and Umno if Najib Razak and Zahid Hamidi are freed and get off so easily."
Supposedly, Perikatan Nasional would capitalise on these two issues in their election campaign, making the Green Wave even more formidable in coming when they go to the polls. But are these issues likely to emerge in July?
What if Najib was not pardoned and not released after the Pardons Board meeting as anticipated?
Going by conventionm chances are Najib might not be pardoned on his first appeal. That of course would be a plus for Anwar in the eyes of the majority of the people who would like to see Najib pay for his crimes.
This then becomes a non issue in the state elections. In fact it might even sway some to vote for PH because Anwar may be perceived as being fair minded.
Would UMNO walk out enbloc in protest against PMX, as a few have speculated?
Not likely. Many of the UMNO leaders are comfortable enough with their cushy jobs in the PH led coalition.
Zahid Hamidi would make a case against it after all UMNO is in the government with him as DPM and many strong party leaders in ministerial positions. UMNO should not complain.
If UMNO did walk out, Anwar would still have enough support to stay in power with a smaller majority.
Meanwhile, the Najib faction within UMNO could be pacified by a promise 'we shall try again when the new king comes to town.' This would be a possibility. But that'll be up to the wisdom of the new Agong and His pardons board.
That'll help buy more time for Zahid and PMX. If they survived this crisis they're on stronger grounds to move forward into the second year of Anwar's premiership.
What about Zahid Hamidi walking away scot-free?
Well there is a precedent. Remember a forrmer AG who dropped charges against DAP's party leader during the first PH government in 2018?
That left UMNO and other Malay based parties fuming mad. But nothing happened at the grassroots.
By the way, Zahid Hamidi's case will not be the focus in state elections in July. The court has fixed August to hear his arguments for dropping charges against him in light of new findings by MACC. By then the state election is already wrapped up.
On the other hand, Hassan Karim says the attorney-general's power to determine the fate of both Najib Razak and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is 'very frightening'.
But the PM is also a member of the Pardons Board and under the Constitution he would be responsible to advise the King based upon recommendation of that august body.
Similarly, the AG reports to the Chief Secretary and the Executive Arm of the government is under the PM's jurisdiction and they could decide on the fate of political foes and friends based upon legal protocols.
Sometimes it might appear arbitrary as in the case of the DAP leader whose ongoing cases were dropped by the PH appointed AG. The AG has extensive authority and we hope he'll exercise it justly and fairly for all.
On the other hand, Lim Kit Siang has said Anwar's survival as PMX depends on UMNO.
An UMNO under the stewardship of Zahid is better than under anybody else for Anwar. Anwar knows him well. They have been buddies for a long time. 40 years, may be. It would be up to Zahid's interest to keep UMNO in the coalition.
To ensure that happens he has to stay out of jail. His lawyers are working hard to make that happen.
Lim Kit Siang says Anwar has 70% chance of completing his full term and UMNO is his trump card. Anwar needs Zahid as much as Zahid needs him. They both know it.
Now you too know the reason why they support each other. Also, you are now informed whatever the outcome it'll not be disastrous for Anwar and his coalition government.
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