By Niza Shimi
While the nation impatiently waits for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to announce his leaner Cabinet line-up, there’s a deafening silence from the Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Considering the euphoria after Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) victory in GE14, is this subdued silence a sign that the party is happy with the Unity Government formed after the 15th general elections (GE15)?
The DAP party leaders, Anthony Loke (secretary-general) and Lim Guan Eng (chairman) recently made the right overtures with open apologies to the people of Sarawak for past remarks during PH’s tenure that hurt.
Lim was reported to have issued a statement that said, "I apologise for my remarks that may have offended the Sarawak Premier and the GPS Sarawak state government. The future of the country is more important.
“Let us make a fresh start to cooperate together to preserve the diversity, inclusiveness and unity of our multiracial and multi-cultural society, as well as protect our Federal Constitution for the benefit of all in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak," he added.
Indeed, this overture of reconciliation by the DAP won praise from Kuching-based writer John Teo who wrote; “This is an exemplary case of rising above narrow party interests in favour of greater national interests. More statesman-like class acts in both directions will be required to break down racially-tinged political discourse.”
An observation by Teo that when Perikatan Nasional (PN) declined to with the Unity Government, it has a given rise to an opposition that “…unfortunately, be very obviously Muslim and Malay and not one that reflects Malaysia.”
PN is a coalition of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) led by Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. The coalition declined to be part of the Unity Government.
In recent days, PAS has stepped up attacks on Barisan Nasional (BN) and DAP in social media. The party has accused BN of being “Hidup segan, mati tak mahu” (ashamed of being alive but refused to die).
PAS has accused DAP of being a parasite riding on the Anwar-led government. The DAP won 40 seats while PAS won 49 seats (27 using PN logo). Could this be a reflection of religious and racial polarisation among Malaysian voters?
To their credit, the approach taken by the DAP under Loke has been calm and rational. Loke was reported by Malay Mail as saying, “We have to be patient, we will make an explanation, if there is anything that we feel is slanderous, then we will make a police report.”
Aside from congratulating Anwar on his appointment as PM, other DAP officials have been largely silent. While the media is reporting the exchange of barbs between PAS and BN, DAP has largely shown restraint.
The more important question at the moment is, who will be on Anwar’s leaner Cabinet?
As academician and prolific writer Murray Hunter noted in Sin Chew Daily published in the Asia News Network, “Anwar’s government is not a Pakatan Harapan one. It’s not quite a unity government. It’s a government founded upon the best compromise that could have been made at the completion of GE15.”
Hunter also noted that the composition of the Cabinet “is potentially Anwar’s weak spot”.
“Within Anwar’s own coalition are those who fundamentally disapprove of Pakatan Harapan. They were forced into the coalition against their own will, and will do almost anything to undermine this government if the opportunities arise,” Hunter added.
Interestingly, Hunter observed, “However, the biggest weakness Anwar has is that he trusts the wrong people. All of his loyal old guard “Reformasi” era comrades have long been cast aside.”
He astutely pointed out, “Ironically, Anwar’s staunchest and most trustworthy ally is totally counter-intuitive. Zahid (UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) will be the one who stands by Anwar, which could be to his determent.”
It looks like we will be in for another turbulent ride, political wise. Fasten your seat belts and elegant silence could be the better option until the GE15 dust has settled.
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