‘Toppling unity govt not impossible, but not easy’

Politics
5 May 2023 • 9:00 AM MYT
The Vibes
The Vibes

Featuring breaking news & latest stories from every side.

image is not available
‘Toppling unity govt not impossible, but not easy’

KUALA LUMPUR – The alleged efforts by the opposition to topple the unity government are not impossible, but very difficult to execute, said Community Communication Department Director-General Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff. 

In a Facebook post, Agus said this is because Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the support of Malay rulers, and is careful in dealing with Malay-Islamic matters, while the Malaysia Madani agenda is more accepted. 

This was on top of his charisma in uplifting the people, countering bribery, and curbing poverty, Agus said. 

“I just finished reading Kai Otswald’s latest monograph titled Why Malaysia’s Unity Government Will (Probably) Survive,” he was quoted as saying by The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal, Getaran. 

image is not available
Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff (pic) says Perikatan Nasional has failed to be the check and balance to the government in terms of policies, and is instead creating lethargy and political anxiety among the rakyat. – Mohammad Agus Yusoff Facebook pic, May 5, 2023

“His perception is in line with mine – difficult, if not impossible,” he added. 

Agus was addressing rumours that the opposition had MPs in support of toppling the current unity government. 

I ask: aren’t the opposition leaders tired of dreaming of regaining power every day?” he asked. 

“You failed during your 33 months in power, to the point the people were forced to raise white flags, and now you want to have a ‘backdoor 2.0’ (government),” he added. 

Agus said Perikatan Nasional (PN) failed to be the check and balance to the government and provide constructive criticism on its policies, instead only creating lethargy and political anxiety in the nation.  

He also urged the opposition to cease its “wishful thinking” in wresting Putrajaya and to instead focus on developing the nation and allowing Anwar space to carry out his duties. 

“Looking at its (PN) confidence that the government will topple, the way the opposition is daydreaming, even snakes can grow legs. They are so mischievous,” he said. 

“Enough of dreaming about Putrajaya, focus on efforts to build the nation. The people want stability and economic progress. If (you) often play politics, investors will be reluctant to come.” 

Agus said the opposition should have moved a no-confidence vote at the Dewan Rakyat if it wanted to test its influence. 

image is not available
The Community Communication Department director-general says that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre), who stepped into the prime ministership after the 15th general election last year, has the support of Malay rulers, and is careful in dealing with Malay-Islamic matters, on top of his charisma in uplifting the people, fighting corruption, and curbing poverty. – SAIRIEN NAFIS/The Vibes file pic, May 5, 2023

And if the opposition fails in the vote, Agus said, it should accept the results.  

“I do not understand the opposition. If (Anwar) who aspires to turn Malaysia into a bribery-free nation can be overthrown, what more can be expected from these politicians, especially those who claim to fight for Islam,” he said. 

Previously, Bersatu supreme council member Muhammad Faiz Na’aman posted a cryptic comment on Facebook saying: “It’s 126 already. If true, Alhamdulillah”, in what appears to be an indication of current support for PN.  

In a separate post, Faiz uploaded a conversation with a press member who had asked him if the opposition is confident of coming to power before the term ends, to which he replied: “Yes, we are, God willing.” 

Subsequently, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said attempts to topple the government would not be easy with the enforcement of the anti-hopping law and the government’s two-thirds majority in Parliament. – The Vibes, May 5, 2023