Analysts urge Malaysia's rival parties to focus on governing nation

Analysts urge Malaysia's rival parties to focus on governing nation
From Channel News Asia

SINGAPORE, July 16 - Political analysts at a forum in Singapore on Tuesday are calling on both the ruling government and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) to get on with the job of governing.

The high-stakes power play between the rival parties has many ordinary Malaysians concerned as they struggle to cope with the ongoing food and energy crisis.

The row, coupled with the prospect of a sudden change of government and economic policy, has not only raised political temperatures but also distressed foreign investors.

However, Malaysian political commentators are hoping that their pleas for calm and good governance will prevail.

Speaking on the sidelines of a forum on regional strategic and political developments organised by the Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), the analysts are calling on both sides to focus on the states they govern.

Political commentator and columnist Zainah Anwar said: "Well, it's really about getting on with the job of governing - for both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat - in the five states under their control. The electorate voted for change and promises were made.

"I think it's important for Pakatan Rakyat to prove to the electorate that they are different from Barisan Nasional, and that they truly can govern more justly, more democratically, with more transparency and accountability, and really show that it is a viable alternative to the
Barisan Nasional. So I really wish that they would just concentrate on governing the five states."

But the opposition alliance seems to be distracted with Mr Anwar Ibrahim's determination to take over the government by September 16.

Zainah Anwar said: "I think that's really unfortunate, because the March 8 election gave a clear verdict, and no matter what, the Barisan Nasional won and formed the federal government.

"It got the votes, it lost its two-third majority, but it got a healthy majority. So I think what the people want is to see more competitive politics, in terms of pushing for better governance in Malaysia and for a more vigorous democracy in Malaysia, but not this political shenanigan that's going on.

"If the Pakatan Rakyat doesn't get its act together and focus on fulfilling its promises on delivering good governance in the five states, it will face the verdict... in the next election.

"I think this whole attempt to take over government through undemocratic means is a distraction. If Pakatan Rakyat and if Anwar Ibrahim really cares, then say that they want to strengthen Malaysia's democracy, and focus on strengthening Malaysia's democracy instead of playing politics."

Dr Johan Saravanamuttu, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies agreed: "The opposition Pakatan Rakyat should be focusing on issues of governance. You have five states in your control and you should deliver (your promises).

"That should be the main focus of the Pakatan Rakyat. This whole business of trying to topple the federal government perhaps should be put on hold.There should be a cooling-off period to let some sort of stability be obtained at the federal level."

Since the March election, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has taken steps to introduce reforms.

"Reforms are taking place... and the ruling party is putting emphasis on public transportation, (making sure) subsidies reach the right targeted group... and greater emphasis on food security," said Marimuthu Nadason, President of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca), Malaysia.

The opposition, however, is using these reforms as ammunition to gain more support.

There is a general consensus amongst most political watchers gathered at the ISEAS forum. They said if the ruling Barisan Nasional government can set in motion the reforms promised - ensuring that help reaches the targeted groups to help them during the critical time of food and energy crisis - it might just stem the tide of support for the opposition alliance.