Unity government still in play
King lays down proposal to GPS delegation in bid to end political impasse
The creation of a unity government is still an option for Istana Negara in the search for the 10th prime minister of Malaysia although it has been rejected by Perikatan Nasional (PN), which refuses to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
The proposal to create the unity government was laid on the table by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during his audience with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders yesterday.
Representing GPS were Petra Jaya MP Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi (Kapit) from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, Dato Sri Richard Riot (Serian) from Sarawak United People’s Party, and Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (Kanowit) from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
No representative from the Progressive Democratic Party was present.
Fadillah told reporters a er a meeting with GPS chief Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly building here later that the King had asked them if they would accept a unity government.
He added that the Yang diPertuan Agong said that having a unity government might be the solution to resolve the hung parliament following the 15th general election last Saturday.
“His Majesty has given his advice and the four of us who had the audience replied that we could not make our decision whether we agree or not, because the decision lies with GPS’ top leadership.
“At the same we (GPS) will obey whatever decision is made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
GPS representatives were summoned to Istana Negara earlier yesterday in an apparent bid to break the deadlock in the search for the new prime minister.
The King had proposed the unity government during his meeting with PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PH chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday a er he found that no single MP had the support of the majority to become Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.
Muhyiddin told reporters later that he had rejected the proposal as PN had long decided that it would not work with PH.
Meanwhile, PRS president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said GPS will abide by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s wish to form a unity govt if that is the royal decree.
Responding to claims that PRS’ five MPs have withdrawn their support for Muhyiddin as prime minister, he said: “PRS MPs are together with GPS and GPS as a group is taking heed of the King’s desire for a unity govt. If a unity government is what the King wants, I think we should follow that.”
However, Salang was noncommi al when asked if the state coalition would support Anwar as the new prime minister.
“We are not talking about who is the prime minister. We are talking about the ‘titah’ (royal decree) for a unity government. So we leave it to the top leaders to decide who will be the prime minister,” he said when contacted.
Asked then if GPS continued to back Muhyiddin as prime minister, Salang replied: “That one I don’t know…but as a party within the component of GPS, PRS abides by the common decision of GPS but I believe everybody agrees if the King says we need a unity government then so be it.”
Separately, newly-elected Selangau MP Edwin Banta, who is one of the five PRS MPs, denied the claim that they had withdrawn their support for Muhyiddin.
“No truth in the above (claim that PRS MPs no longer support Muhyiddin). We fully support any decision made by the top GPS leadership,” he said when contacted.
Abang Johari had said on Sunday that the state coalition will work with PN, BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah in the formation of a new government with Muhyiddin as the preferred prime minister.
However, the pact failed to materialise a er BN announced that it would be an opposition in parliament.
His Majesty has given his advice and the four of us who had the audience replied that we could not make our decision whether we agree or not, because the decision lies with GPS’ top leadership.
Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof