KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Opposition head whip Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Haji Ukin believes that the setting up of a unity government in Malaysia is a good idea.
The Klias assemblyman however stressed that in order for the proposal to become a reality, both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat must show that they are sincere in the matter.
“I am of the opinion that it is a good proposal but it must be carried out together by BN and PR. It also requires sincerity from both sides. I am also of the opinion that the Government must initiate the first step and must show that its moves before the final discussion on the unity government.
“Firstly, the BN government and Umno must stop all of its accusations and slander against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and opposition leaders. This is because the discussion on the proposal will result to nothing if there the relationship is still not good,” he said.
Lajim said this in response to the report by The Malaysia Insider that Putrajaya’s recent peace overtures to PR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a possible unity government was initiated by an eager political aide and a top Indonesian businessman without the direct knowledge of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. This was revealed by sources from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The Malaysian Insider was told that the overtures were not sanctioned by the top leadership although Anwar had confirmed to the Asia Sentinel news portal that ex-Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla has been acting as an intermediary.
According to Lajim, BN must show the rakyat that it is serious in setting up a unity government.
“This does not mean that the unity government is only for the benefit of Najib or Anwar or the parties they represent. It is in fact for the people which are multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural so that we can be more harmonious and a better future of the country,” he stressed.
There is also a need to get the rakyat’s feedback and response on the proposal before any decisions are made, Lajim said, adding the opposition must remember that even though they did not form the government, PR got huge support from the rakyat and this is reflected in the 89 parliamentary seats the opposition won.
“This shows that the opposition has the strength that would not be possible without the rakyat’s support. We in Sabah welcome the proposal but must be based on the benefit for the people and country,” he said.
Lajim added that there is also the need to have a mechanism as to how the arrangement for a unity government would be.
“Will it be where PR joins BN or do we set up a new Coalition? The mechanism must also ensure that elected representatives are not gagged as they still have to raise issues affecting the rakyat.
“A unity government does not mean it can do as it pleases as there will still be watchdogs to ensure that it does right by the people. To me this development is a positive one and must be continued,” he said, adding that this could prevent events like Blackout 505, public rallies and street demonstrations.
“We have to look at what is happening globally like for instance in Egypt and Syria.. we do not want that to happen in Malaysia. If the unity government becomes a reality, Malaysia could be a model country for others to emulate,” he said.