KUALA LUMPUR: The Unity Government National Convention is important to convince the people that the government is strong and intact enough to take the country forward despite having to go through various challenges in the administrative process, says a political analyst.
Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia Prof Dr Jayum Anak Jawan said the convention, which would be attended by 20 political parties, would create the perception that the country’s politics and leadership were stable, giving foreigners the confidence to invest in Malaysia.
“This convention will also show that the cooperation between the main political parties – PKR, DAP, Umno and GPS – is going well and the leaders are working together for one purpose, which is to develop Malaysia,” he told Bernama.
The Universiti Putra Malaysia political science professor described the convention as a report, to the people, on the efforts so far taken by the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
After more than 100 days at the helm, the government has decided to hold a convention on May 14 to craft a common direction and course of action in the administration of the country.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political science senior lecturer Dr Jamaie Hamil said the convention would be the best platform for the new government to discuss all issues and problems between the parties in the administration.
He said the convention would also help the people understand the government’s direction so that they would continue to support it.
“This convention is very relevant because we will know why this unity government was formed, why it needs to be maintained, why it needs to be supported and on what grounds it will continue to be the best government after the democratic era in this country develops,” he added.
For United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick, the convention is important because it is a platform for making Malaysia a more progressive, harmonious and united country.
“For Upko, the national administration should be led by the political coalition of various races that are progressive and not extreme to the principle of one race and religion,” he added.
Ewon, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said the unity government is a more progressive coalition to shape Malaysia’s future for the next 60 years.
