PRIME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin could not get a better opportunity than when DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and other opposition leaders promised there would not be any call for a vote of confidence if Parliament were to convene soon.

There are numerous issues that can be discussed and debated in Parliament, ranging from the imposition of MCOs, the vaccination programme, the economic stimulus packages, foreign investment and others.

The King is also hard pressed by various political leaders to re-convene Parliament and he has thus far taken a balanced stand, feeling that the present government’s activities should not be interrupted. He was also much concerned about the prospect of a no-confidence motion unseating the government and causing instability in the midst of this unparalleled pandemic.

He could view this stand by veteran leader Lim Kit Siang positively and urge the Prime Minister to agree to re-convene parliament.

One of the reasons for the declaration of the Emergency was to ensure political certainty as the preceding days before the Emergency the government was on edge with no-confidence motions against it which it may not have survived.

An unstable government would not have been able to take serious and pro-active measures to counter the pandemic. Now, this threat is no more and Parliament can be re-convened.

The Emergency is scheduled to end in August and it could possibly be extended if the situation warrants it. In this case, the extension of the Emergency needs the understanding and cooperation of the Opposition, and re-convening Parliament is one diplomatic way to do it.

As the Opposition has often said, the country comes first and they can be expected to abide by this principle. The Opposition, too, is no more hell bent on taking over the government by whatever means possible as was the case previously.

The Perikatan government has also buttressed itself since taking power more than a year ago. Nowadays, the opposition members prefer to wait for GE 15, which gives them a better shot at coming to power.

Anyway, there is only one year plus after the Emergency ends in August before the mandate runs out in May 2023, and it is futile for the opposition to take over the government with so little time remaining.

Furthermore, I don’t think the Opposition is in a rush or hurry to take over the reins of government noting the ups and downs of the pandemic and the socio-economic problems facing the nation.

A general election cannot be called when the Covid 19 pandemic is raging and showing no sign of being eliminated in the near future, and neither can the government nor the Opposition take chances in case a resurgence occurs when guard is let down and SOP are relaxed. This has happened here and in many other countries as one wave of infection leads to another deadlier one.

The best option for both the government and the Opposition is for Parliament to be re-convened, so a host of issues can be discussed and debated as there are many experienced MPs and political leaders who have administrative experience and, who can aid the government in adopting better ways and means to overcome the crisis facing the country.

Many members of the Opposition have ministerial experience, even if brief. And there are also leaders like Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Lim Kit Siang, Anwar Ibrahim, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Najib Razak who can offer advice during this crucial time when the country is at a crossroads.

Re-convening Parliament will also allow Muhyiddin to mend fences with his Umno supporters, who have been critical of his party Bersatu. He could use the chance to strengthen Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional in anticipation of a general election when the time comes.

The Opposition too can explore various options to solidify their pact. Re-convening Parliament will also enable the prime minister and his cabinet to share the presently heavy burden with the Opposition in Parliament.

Instead of only critical comments, it will be better to have good suggestions and input that can help the country during these perilous times. – May 22, 2021.

*V. Thomas reads The Malaysian Insight.

* 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.