Anwar as PM accepted as right solution to political impasse
SARIKEI: The appointment of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th Prime Minister has been accepted by Malaysians in general as the most appropriate solution to the political impasse which lingered on for four days after no political block secured minimum 112 seats in the 15th general election (GE15) required to form a minority government.
Anwar has been appointed to lead a government made up of multi-political blocks; hence, under such circumstances he is required to honour terms and conditions agreed upon by all stakeholders, a retired government officer, Sylvester Embuas, said.
“Needless to mention, the agreement tagged with appointment in full, the people of Sarawak certainly want all the promises made during campaigning or in the manifestos to be honoured,” Sylvester said.
“Although one of the promises is to allocate a deputy prime minister’s post to Borneo states, I believe Sarawak is happy to settle with important portfolios such as rural development ministry or public works ministry,” he pointed out.
Besides, Sarawak should not be sidelined in the appointment for top posts in government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs), he added.
A veteran politician, who preferred not to be identified by name or by his political party, said that Anwar’s appointment serves as a lesson to politicians to refrain from issuing disparaging statements against rivals during campaigning sessions.
“I believe the outcome of GE15 has taught Malaysian politicians that there are no permanent enemies. Like in the process of forming a unity government, politicians from opposite sides of the political divide can sink their differences,” he said.
Another retired government officer, who also declined to be named, expressed hope that the people would understand the current political situation and give the new government led by Anwar time to prove itself.