Warm greeting: Ismail Sabri greeting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong at the Malaysian Family Symposium.
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s diplomatic style in recognising the importance of establishing common ground with Opposition politicians is key in the stability enjoyed by Malaysia in the past year, say analysts.
According to them, Ismail Sabri had taken over the premiership during a climate of political volatility, but through negotiations and mediation with the Opposition, mudslinging was put aside in favour of nation-building.
“He displayed a leadership style focusing on negotiation, accommodation and participation, and this helped him implement important policies for the country’s benefit,” said Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
He was one of the speakers at the Malaysian Family Symposium held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, which was organised in conjunction with Ismail Sabri’s one year as Prime Minister.
Sivamurugan said that while Malaysia’s political climate today remained dynamic with a level of uncertainty, it was improved and controlled compared to previous years due to Ismail Sabri’s “political reconciliation” formula.
“Support from the Opposition has helped the government to pass new laws, such as the anti-party hopping Bill as well as revisions to the 1963 Malaysia Agreement.
“Ismail Sabri’s leadership has shown that there is a desire for structural reforms in legislation and the public delivery system,” he added.
Another speaker, political scientist Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University, said the claim that Ismail Sabri’s government was weak was not true as the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with Pakatan Harapan had boosted his parliamentary support.
Ismail Sabri, he pointed out, enjoyed a commanding majority of 92.8%, consisting of 40.9% from Pakatan Harapan and 52.3% from the current government, which comprises of Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
“This is the highest majority since independence and it is even higher than the majority enjoyed by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“So, when we claim that Ismail Sabri’s government is weak, that simply means that we are trapped in the old paradigm (of thinking),” said Wong.
Constitutional expert Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz credited Ismail Sabri’s leadership for the passing of nearly 40 Bills, since taking office and for being instrumental in bringing about several crucial pieces of legislation, such as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill that was passed in July.
“This is an important law for Keluarga Malaysia because it involves the freedom and dignity of Malaysians,” she added.
