PETALING JAYA: PKR and Bersatu must roll up their sleeves and get down to work as both parties are confronted with major challenges, say political analysts.
Pundits say PKR in its pursuit of a national rejuvenation is faced with the monumental task of delivering the promised key electoral and institutional reforms while effectively responding to the people’s grievances in order to prove its capacity for governance.
For Bersatu, analysts say the party must solve its leadership crisis ahead of next year’s party elections and position itself as a formidable Opposition and a viable alternative to the unity government while concurrently, it must work to broaden its support base, including winning over non-Malays.
Dr Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said for Bersatu and PKR, their recently concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual National Congress had served as an excellent platform for the leaders to take note of, and act on, the feedback given by the grassroots.
The meetings were also equally important for the delegates to understand the vision and direction of their parties, he said.
“For PKR, it has stated that it will continue with reforms but with the necessary caution so that it will not frustrate the coalition partners,” he added.
“For Bersatu, it believes that it can stop further “defections” and continue to gain greater support at a time when the Prime Minister’s popularity is said to be declining.”
He said the focus for PKR following the congress should be to have its leaders address all the grievances that the people have over the economy while instituting structural reforms.
For Bersatu, it is to ensure that their MPs remain loyal and for the party to be a strong Opposition while increasing its support base, said Tunku Mohar.
He added that Malaysians can expect at least a government that is more stable than the previous one although, from the tone of the Bersatu AGM, it is as though the attempt to overthrow the government before the next election is still ongoing.
He also said Malaysians should at least give a bit more time for PKR to carry out reforms.
“The explanation that PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave was to carry out reforms with caution, mindful of some missteps Pakatan Harapan made after the 14th General Election where it wanted to change the system rather drastically. “Malaysians also need to be assured that the government can tackle the economic problems effectively.
“The rakyat wants a stable political system, and would like to have Bersatu as a strong opposition to keep the government in check,” he said.
Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said PKR and Bersatu would both have to focus on issues pertinent to the people.
“Bersatu as a member of Perikatan Nasional should play a check and balance role to government policies and as their party election will be next year, they have to make sure that there is no leadership crisis within,” he said, adding that although Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has retracted his intention not to defend his position as party president, it could cause some discontent.
As for PKR, Prof Sivamurugan said its projection must be as a functioning government, and the party must address the mindset, needs and demands of the people although it will not be able to fulfil all within one year.
“Focus on how to tackle the cost of living issue which needs strategy and intervention with instant and short-term outcome; build Anwar Team within the government in order to become the spokesperson rather than only Anwar doing it; and the Malay support as well.
“The institution reform should also be the focus because they are no longer in their honeymoon period.
“For Bersatu, they must try to win non-Malay support and show alternative policies for the people. They can have a Shadow Cabinet,” he said.
Prof Sivamurugan added that there is some stability in the political environment and the 151 parliamentary majority support on Anwar’s side can be used to bring in reform and a new agenda within the next four years.
“Meanwhile, rather than focusing on the perception of the people, Bersatu can focus on more pertinent issues and become a formidable opposition front,” he said.
