PH supporters know why Anwar needs Zahid in unity govt, says analyst
PH voters will support Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to join forces with Umno and its president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, rather than team up with PAS, says analyst James Chin.
PETALING JAYA: An analyst has brushed off an MP’s remark that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is in a difficult spot because of the presence of Barisan Nasional in his unity government.
James Chin of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute said the concern, voiced by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim of PKR, was unnecessary.
Chin told FMT he believed voters would understand why the alliance was needed. In time, he said, the rivalry between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) would become “a blur in the past”.
“They have realised that Umno’s move to support Anwar is crucial and that if anything happens to Umno or Zahid, the party will pull its support,” he said, referring to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “PH will be in big trouble if this happens.”
Hassan recently said he pitied Anwar for being in a difficult position because deputy prime minister Zahid’s corruption cases could taint the government.
He said continuing to work with Zahid would affect the image of Anwar, PKR and PH as reformists.
Chin also said voters supporting PH did not want PAS “at the helm” and this was why they would accept Anwar’s decision to join forces with Umno and Zahid.
Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir had another take, saying Anwar had no choice but to work with Zahid as he was advised by the Malay rulers to form a unity government.
“That’s the best choice for him or else the country will have a hung Parliament forever,” he said. “Of course, this will affect the coalition’s image but there was no choice.
“The only way out is to create a narrative on why the partnership had to be formed, that it’s for the country’s stability and in the interest of the people.”
Jeniri said he was sure Anwar’s position as PKR president would remain unshaken since he had a solid grip on the party.
“Now with Anwar as prime minister, that position alone gives him leverage to control the party,” he said.
Zahid is accused of 47 counts of money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving millions of ringgit from Yayasan Akalbudi and accepting bribes for various projects while he was home minister between 2013 and 2018.
Twelve of the charges are for CBT, eight for corruption and the remaining 27 for money laundering.
PETALING JAYA: An analyst has brushed off an MP’s remark that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is in a difficult spot because of the presence of Barisan Nasional in his unity government.
James Chin of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute said the concern, voiced by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim of PKR, was unnecessary.
Chin told FMT he believed voters would understand why the alliance was needed. In time, he said, the rivalry between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) would become “a blur in the past”.
“They have realised that Umno’s move to support Anwar is crucial and that if anything happens to Umno or Zahid, the party will pull its support,” he said, referring to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “PH will be in big trouble if this happens.”
Hassan recently said he pitied Anwar for being in a difficult position because deputy prime minister Zahid’s corruption cases could taint the government.
He said continuing to work with Zahid would affect the image of Anwar, PKR and PH as reformists.
Chin also said voters supporting PH did not want PAS “at the helm” and this was why they would accept Anwar’s decision to join forces with Umno and Zahid.
Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir had another take, saying Anwar had no choice but to work with Zahid as he was advised by the Malay rulers to form a unity government.
“That’s the best choice for him or else the country will have a hung Parliament forever,” he said. “Of course, this will affect the coalition’s image but there was no choice.
“The only way out is to create a narrative on why the partnership had to be formed, that it’s for the country’s stability and in the interest of the people.”
Jeniri said he was sure Anwar’s position as PKR president would remain unshaken since he had a solid grip on the party.
“Now with Anwar as prime minister, that position alone gives him leverage to control the party,” he said.
Zahid is accused of 47 counts of money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving millions of ringgit from Yayasan Akalbudi and accepting bribes for various projects while he was home minister between 2013 and 2018.
Twelve of the charges are for CBT, eight for corruption and the remaining 27 for money laundering.
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