THE political scenario at the moment makes it highly unlikely for the unity government to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) to ensure political stability, political pundits said.

They said the main parties – Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) on one side, and PN at the other end – would continue to outdo each other to try and gain the political upper hand.

This included the possibility of toppling the government which would affect the country’s stability, they added.

Last Sunday, electoral watchdog Bersih urged the Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government and the opposition to sign an inter-coalition peace deal to ensure political stability as soon as the August 12 six-state elections are over, regardless of the outcome.

It said such a deal could dispel talk of any midterm change of government, which only undermines political stability and market confidence.

Ilham Centre executive director Hisommudin Bakar is sceptical that both the coalitions would agree to such a deal.

“I am sceptical such a deal would ever take place. If it does, it only shows they would do anything, as politicians will always be politicians.

“They will use whatever opportunity they have to seize power,” he said.

Hisommudin also said political instability after the six-state polls would not be the main concern as it would not impact any changes in the federal government.

He however understood the worry among civil society groups.

“The issue of instability does not arise. The federal government is not going to change whatever the state elections results may be.

“But of course the worry is there because if PN wins more seats, they will use it as an indicator that the federal government no longer commands support or is going weak,” he added.

Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said PN would not accept any deal with Anwar’s administration if it wins big in the state polls.

“PN is not going to do that, and the same goes with the unity government. They are not going to offer anything to PN if they feel they are strong enough.

“I don’t think any MOU will happen,” he said.

Killing democracy

Former Otai Reformis secretary Abdul Razak Ismail said such an agreement between the unity government and PN is improper.

“It is improper. Should the deal take place and we have an understanding between the government and the opposition, where is the check and balance?

“If the opposition is tied with the agreement, they cannot criticise the government, so I don’t see where democracy is in this.

“Just to gain stability, would you want such an agreement? I don’t see how it is applicable in a democracy,” said Razak.

Bersih had also said parliament can play a key role to ensure sustainable political peace for a full term – till 2027.

In the run-up to the state polls on August 12, PH-BN and PN have been going hard against each other, with accusations of power abuse and use or 3R issues being thrown around by all parties.

The federal government meanwhile has shown the upper hand by charging PN’s election director and caretaker Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor with sedition over his remarks implicating the Sultan and Agong.

In recent months, PN politicians had been saying they would have enough numbers to topple Anwar’s government although the prime minister has the support of 143 lawmakers.

The previous Ismail Sabri Yaakob administration (PN and BN) had signed an inter-party agreement with the then opposition PH in September 2021, which enabled 13 months of political stability, including the passing of the anti-party hopping law and some measures of parliamentary reform. – July 23, 2023.