RECENT moves by Umno, including making political appointments and changing the Malacca chief minister, do not affect the unity government led by Anwar Ibrahim, PKR grassroots saod.

They said although Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s actions attracted public criticism, those moves have no bearing on how the federal government is run.

They said they are confident the unity government can survive so long as allegations of corruption and abuse of power do not arise.

Selangor PKR deputy communications director Adzman Kamaruddin said the appointment of Umno leaders to agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry is Zahid’s prerogative as its minister.

“The appointments were made under his ministry and we do not interfere unless someone asks for the appointment to be made under a ministry led by PKR.

“This is another party’s business, with appointments made by Zahid,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

In recent months, Zahid appointed several Umno leaders to head government agencies and GLCs.

These include former Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (Kedah Regional Development Board), Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki (Mara), Kelantan Umno chief Ahmad Jazlan Yaakob (Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority), and former Wanita Umn chief Noraini Ahmad (Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority).

Umno also chose Malacca Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh to replace Sulaiman Md Ali as chief minister.

Last week, Umno said it will approach the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to request a royal pardon for former prime minister Najib Razak, who is serving a 12-year prison sentence for his involvement in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.

Defending his decision, Zahid said the appointments made through his ministry were thoroughly vetted by the unity government secretariat.

Adzman said PKR does not intend to interfere in Umno’s internal affairs, even though it is part of the unity government.

“For us at PKR, these appointments are made under the prerogative of the Umno president. We do not interfere with other parties.

“Such issues will not harm preparations for the coming state elections,” he said.

Adzman also said decisions on the royal pardon for Najib rests with the pardons board chaired by the Agong.

He said Umno’s royal pardon application adds no pressure on Anwar, even though the prime minister is a member of the board.

Anwar sits on the board as minister responsible for the federal territories.

No tolerance for malpractice

A grassroots PKR leader who declined to be named said Najib is within his rights to apply for a pardon.

“That is up to the royal pardons board to decide, but it is Najib’s right to apply,” he said.

But the grassroots leader said the unity government will not tolerate malpractice.

“As long as this government is led by a good prime minister like Anwar, I don’t think such actions (Umno’s unilateral moves) will interfere with the administration of the unity government.

“So far, I don’t see any issue unless (Umno) creates irregularities that have an effect. The current unity government has no tolerance for irregularities,” he said.

Regarding the change in Malacca leadership, he sees it as a boon to the unity government as it gives Pakatan Harapan (PH) a chance to participate in the state’s administration.

Following his swearing-in as chief minister, Rauf appointed 10 new excos and deputy excos, including several from PH.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia analyst Mazlan Ali said the unity government’s position does not seem to be affected by some of Umno’s moves.

He said the cooperation between PH and Umno in the government has let Anwar make several improvements to the administration.

“The people now don’t care about party politics as long as they can live well.

“Anwar has to take care of (PH’s) relationship with Umno, together with the Sabah and Sarawak parties that formed the unity government, because with them Anwar can make reforms,” he said.

Mazlan also said Umno’s wish for Najib to be royally pardoned must be respected because as Najib had the right to make the request.

“In Umno’s view, Najib is a leader. Even though Najib has a criminal conviction, he has done a lot as a former prime minister.

“There is no guarantee Umno will get (the royal pardon) if it applies for one” because it is up to the pardons board to advise the Agong, he said. – April 10, 2023.