With DAP finally waking up from its stupor—and seemingly charting its own course—is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani administration practically on “life support” now?
Embattled Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim caused a stir recently by calling upon the four Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons who quit the BN-led Melaka state government to defer their decision. He advised that they should first seek a resolution with Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh to ensure the state administration could continue serving the rakyat.
However, it is clear that Melaka DAP had already made up its mind, and that it was now a case of enough is enough!
For the record, this latest skirmish with UMNO was sparked by Melaka DAP's protest against the recent amendments to the state constitution allowing the appointment of nominated state assemblymen. According to its vocal chairman, Khoo Poay Tiong, the party has decided to stand by the principles of parliamentary democracy, as the amendments allegedly go against the electoral system in the country, where representatives must be democratically elected by the people in an election.
Truth be told, UMNO’s move to bulldoze the controversial amendments does raise several serious questions:
Firstly, is it ethical for those “handpicked” by the ruling government to be given the right to vote?
Secondly, what's the point of holding elections if anyone can be co-opted as an “assemblyman” to boost the ruling party's majority in the state assembly?
Additionally, there is the issue of financial strain on the state coffers, particularly with the proposal to allow up to seven nominated assemblymen.
The amendment is also bound to draw allegations from critics that it could serve as a convenient “backdoor” to allow in cronies and to reinstate party politicians who may have lost their elected seats.
Wouldn’t some interpret that as an extension of UMNO's oft-criticized trademark “patronage” system?
Didn't Melaka DAP, then, do the right thing by pushing back and pulling out from the state government?
Imagine the embarrassment and damage it would have caused DAP, had it tacitly consented to BN's move—more so in the wake of the thrashing the party received in the just-concluded Johor state elections.
To the DAP faithful, this latest episode may be an affirmation that Anwar's PH-led Unity Government has become nothing short of a farce—especially with UMNO having a big say in matters.
To them, surely it's now guaranteed that the nationalist party will never change!
In that regard, wouldn't Anwar’s call to Melaka DAP to “kiss and make up” with the state UMNO be seen as a mockery? Is he expecting DAP to just play along with his former buddies—purportedly for the sake of political stability in the country?
Seriously, how long can PMX remain in denial? In the eyes of many PH supporters, haven't his own party and his own coalition also become fractured?
As such, instead of acknowledging DAP’s principled stand on a critical issue affecting the very integrity of the country’s democratic framework, why has Anwar chosen to urge the party to back down and strike a compromise with its nemesis?
The ultimate insult, though, had to come from none other than UMNO Youth chief Dr. Akmal Saleh, who openly hailed the Melaka DAP’s decision to leave the state government, proclaiming that the people’s prayers had finally been answered.
If anything, isn't that another compelling reason why it should ignore Anwar’s call?
In fact, shouldn't Anthony Loke and his fellow cabinet ministers from the party take the cue from the “non-negotiable” stance adopted by their Melaka comrades? After all, what is there left to lose—when it appears as though it is only a matter of time before Anwar succumbs to the pressure to call for an early General Election?
The reality is that, with UMNO clearly on the ascendancy, there can be no doubt that the death knell is getting louder for the ill-fated Madani government. With Johor in its pocket and surely Melaka to follow suit soon, can anything or anyone stop the blue juggernaut?
Inevitably, it also begs the hard question: hasn't Anwar unwittingly become the primary architect behind UMNO’s rapid resurgence? By turning a blind eye to its antics and backroom manoeuvring with the opposition, he may have effectively signed his own political death warrant—and that of the Unity Government too!
In that context, surely Melaka DAP has done the right thing by fearlessly and firmly standing its ground, while delivering a bold ultimatum to Anwar that the days of “kowtowing” to UMNO are finally over.
Notes to Ponder: The seemingly unrepentant UMNO Youth chief may cynically claim that the people's prayers have been answered. But by quitting the Melaka government, wouldn't many DAP supporters say the exact same thing—and rejoice that the unsolemnized, superficial marriage with UMNO in the state is finally over?
Main information source: Malaysiakini, Malay Mail and Star.
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