ENOUGH really is enough.

The latest political fiasco involving the request by the government to seek a state of emergency has been given a clear thumbs down by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

This follows a string of political activities, claims and counter-claims of legitimacy, having mandate, having numbers, public mudslinging and infighting, snubs and insults ranging from thinly veiled threats to open calls for resignations, all inundated with the occasional visit to Istana Negara.

There have been calls by cooler heads for unity all through the seven tumultuous months since the “Sheraton Move”, and the idea of some form of unity government has always been softly suggested in the background, often drowned out by louder, more exciting calls for a change of government. Though the official message seemed to be “Unite and fight Covid-19 together”, the political posturing suggested anything but.

From the get-go, the federal government has been accused of sidelining certain states, with Selangor and Penang not being invited for the first crisis management meeting chaired by the prime minister.

Despite calls for an end of politicking immediately after seizing federal power, several state governments collapsed with defection after defection.

Just as things seemed like they were settling down, the Sabah government collapsed when several state assemblymen sought to change the chief minister, triggering elections, and what is thought to be the main trigger for the high reported infection cases we are suffering from today.

So where is the sincerity in calling for an end to politicking?

On the opposition’s part, olive branches were offered. Yet the government believed they had sufficient support with Umno, at least until Umno itself seemed to withhold full support for Perikatan Nasional , preferring to renew its commitment to Muafakat Nasional, the coalition it formed with PAS and its remaining BN allies, just after its 2018 loss.

Only later did the narrative change to include Bersatu, but what is clear now is Bersatu is no longer in the undisputed dominant position it had when it came into power seven months ago.

Umno personalities are questioning them and their leaders openly. As a leading Malaysian political observer opined, Muhyiddin is fighting a chess game on four fronts.

The royal rejection of the government’s request comes with a silver lining.

Their majesties’ exhortation to politicians to work together offers Muhyiddin’s government some respite, along with a face-saving excuse to revisit cooperation with the opposition parties who have also stated their willingness to listen.

Though said to be controlling up to half or even more of Dewan Rakyat, to try to unseat the prime minister now would be committing a faux pas every party now can ill-afford.

The conditions are therefore perfect to reciprocate the mature generosity shown and negotiate, in good faith, a confidence and supply understanding.

Speaking for the DAP, former transport minister Anthony Loke has provided a good basis for what could provide stability and advance the cause to mature our democracy.

In exchange for fair allocation and a political ceasefire, and concessions on reform, Loke has promised to not disrupt the peace and allow this government to serve out its full term before elections.

Basically, asking for things that should be practised anyway.

Although less than perfect a solution, and perhaps one alien to Malaysia, this is the best option to move forward, and in the present circumstances with no clear dominant party anymore, provides a framework of things to come after the next general elections.

Perhaps after that, the government can truly do what it has claimed to have done in the past seven months, to cease politics and focus on solving the pandemic crisis and related economic woes. – October 28, 2020.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.