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Could a grand coalition or unity govt emerge?

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Analysts say the king’s call for unity could bring about one of the two long proposed ideas.

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Free Malaysia Today
The King’s message for unity could bring a strong and stable government but the question of who will lead the government will always be a prickly one. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:
The King’s message to political leaders to move on from old politics and be more united for the good of the country could lead to one of two long-mooted ideas – a grand coalition or a unity government.

After an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this afternoon, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim told the press that party leaders had agreed that they needed to “stop old conflicts” and unite for the sake of the country.

“More importantly, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Deputy Agong stressed, we have to create a new form of politics that is more peaceful and harmonious,” he said.

Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir however told FMT that if politicians abide by the call for harmony, it could form the basis of a strong and stable government.

“If we can get national consensus and form a grand coalition, like what came after the May 13, 1969 racial riots, then we will have the political stability to face the health and economic crises.

“This coalition must be inclusive of all ethnicities and views, and have a clear vision to put the country and rakyat above all,” he said.

Jeniri said such cooperation must last until the next election at the very least, lest the country be thrust back into the same uncertainties that has plagued it over the last few years.

Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs pointed out that the King’s message would seem to align with recent speculation around the formation of a possible unity government.

He was less optimistic about such a plan’s prospects however, questioning whether such an alignment would really bring the ‘unity’ it hopes to achieve.

“Ultimately however, unity government or otherwise, there will always be the problem of who will lead it,” he told FMT.

“This same issue will arise, there will always be those who stand up and believe they are the most qualified to lead and will want to be in charge.” he said.

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