Muda's decision to sit in the opposition is good for unity government - Ong Kian Ming
SHAH ALAM - Muda's decision to not join hands with Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional is seen as a positive move for the unity government, according to DAP's Ong Kian Ming.
This choice might encourage PH and PN to cooperate and allow the unity government to collaborate with the opposition on supporting certain government bills, explained the former Bangi MP.
While Muda's exit from the federal government would result in a loss of a two-thirds majority in parliament, it would also mean that the government wouldn't be controlled by a few individuals in parliament regarding bill approvals.
Constitutional changes need a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass, and Ong pointed out that it's not only Muda's president, Syed Saddiq, but also MPs from MCA, MIC, and smaller parties in Sabah and Sarawak who might want something in return for supporting these changes.
"Instead, the unity government should seek consensus from all its parties and the PN coalition, particularly on matters like the delimitation exercise starting in 2026," Ong suggested.
Muda President, Syed Saddiq recently announced that he would sit with the Opposition to protest the decision to drop corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Muda aims to be a political "third force."
On the delimitation exercise, Ong mentioned that Pas and to some extent, Bersatu leaders, might favor increasing the number of parliamentary seats in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
The last time such an exercise occurred in these states was in 1995.
Ong also highlighted that the unity government now has the option to collaborate with the opposition on supporting specific bills, like the political financing act, which would ensure equal allocations for all constituencies regardless of their voting patterns.
"This move could foster goodwill and reduce calls from the opposition to replace the government through non-electoral means, leading to more meaningful reforms supported by both sides.
"With the lines now clearly drawn, DAP will no longer need to support Muda in the same way it supported Syed Saddiq in Muar during the 2022 general election.
Ong wished Syed Saddiq and Muda success in their efforts to become a significant force in Malaysian politics and encouraged them to develop credible and substantive policies for improving governance at various levels.
“I wish Syed Saddiq and Muda all the best in their efforts to be a third force in Malaysian politics.
"I hope that he and his colleagues in Muda can play their part in coming up with credible and substantive policies on how to improve government and governing processes at the local, state, and federal levels," he said.
