PETALING JAYA: With the first large-scale unity government convention set to take place next Sunday, political analysts say the agenda could be more than just the coming six state elections later this year.
They said strengthening communications between component coalitions in the government, especially for the upcoming six state elections, could also be on the agenda alongside discussions on administrative structures, economic policies, and social and cultural issues.
Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said the national convention would be the best platform to set the tone for the preparations for the upcoming state elections as well as measures for the country’s economic revival.
“Well, it’s also perhaps a rally for electoral combat, but how much electoral steam it can generate remains to be seen,” he said when contacted yesterday.
The first unity government national convention is scheduled to be held on May 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan did not dissolve their assemblies to hold state polls along with parliamentary polls in the 15th General Election on Nov 19, 2022.
The six state assemblies are set to automatically dissolve on various dates between June and August.
The national convention comes amid speculation of a plot by the Opposition coalition to unseat Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim by forcing by-elections.
Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, said there could be discussions to resolve perceptions of bickering between parties in the unity government.
Citing the recent back and forth between Perak DAP vice-chief Abdul Aziz Bari and Umno’s Johor deputy chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed regarding the former’s statement that Umno could not attract Malay voters, he said it seemingly turned out positive for Umno.
“Standing up against DAP somehow gives the perception that Umno stands up for Malay interests and can be relied on when it comes to the Malays.
“It will give an advantage to Pakatan Harapan as a whole, but the bickering between Umno and Amanah, more specifically Amanah’s (communications director) Khalid (Abdul) Samad views regarding (former premier) Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s royal pardon bid, can have a negative impact.
“It’s not wrong for both sides to voice out their views on this, but it should be done more tactfully and strategically so as not to hurt any coalition within the unity government,” said Azmi, adding that there should have been a more careful approach.
Such bickering could also create the impression that the unity government is not so united after all, he said.
“The convention needs to show that all parties in the unity government are on the same page, especially since there are rumours that Perikatan Nasional has tried or is already gaining more support to form the government.
“These rumours have to be squashed (by the unity government). If it fails, however, these rumours could create further instability in the unity government, which could affect its chances at the coming six state elections,” he added.
Azmi said the results of the six state elections would also reflect on the unity government.
“If there is a landslide victory in the three Pakatan-held states (Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan), with Barisan Nasional and Umno making headway in the Perikatan states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, it could create the perception that voters have accepted the unity government,” he added.
Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said discussions on the government’s structure and power distribution between component coalitions could be a hot topic during the convention.
He added that discussions on administrative structures, economic policies, social and cultural issues as well as the coming six state elections could be on the agenda.
“Debates on the current economic situation could even take place on which sectors should be prioritised, ways to stimulate investments and growth, as well as efforts to support small and medium enterprises.
“Seeing how the unity government comprises various ethnic groups and religions, discussions on ethnic relations, education policies and religious tolerance could also be a focus,” he said.
Equally important would be efforts to create a moderate and progressive country that rejects extreme mindsets that make use of ethnic, religious or state sentiments, he added.
Prof Awang Azman also said other possible discussions would be strategies to win the polls and how the coalitions within the unity government would rule these states if they won.
The convention should also focus on prioritising a vision for the country, he added.
“The Prime Minister has to use the convention as a platform to bring forward strategies, visions and economic programmes to solve various issues through short, medium and long measures. This can increase the confidence of the public in the government’s handling of these issues,” he said.
