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Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Reforms slowed by lack of formal coalition agreement, say analysts
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim leads a unity government comprising Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sarawak and Warisan. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The unity government would have been better placed to advance its reform agenda had it sealed a formal coalition pact akin to a blueprint drawn up in Germany eight years ago, two analysts said. Earlier this month, Senator Fuziah Salleh acknowledged that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government, cobbled together after the 15th general election (GE 15) in 2022 turned up a hung Parliament, lacked a clear framework to implement reforms effectively. Speaking on BBC's World Questions podcast, she said that in hindsight, a formal coalition agreement, like the one used by Germany's grand coalition, might have helped the government quicken delivery of reforms and position itself better on policies. In 2017, Germany faced a hung parliament after no party secured a simple majority in the Bundestag, the country's lower house, to form a government on its own. Political parties then took nearly five months to negotiate and agree on a blueprint listing policies, including on foreign affairs, media reforms, environmental protection and social welfare, to serve as a guide while in office. Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Awang Pawi agreed with Fuziah's remarks, saying that there was 'merit' in her 'critique'. He said Germany's coalition-building process took nearly five months to complete but resulted in a comprehensive document spanning more than 170 pages. 'An approach like Germany's could have worked in Malaysia if political actors prioritised national reform over narrow party interests,' he said, adding that a longer negotiation process might have helped the unity government align on shared goals. International Islamic University Malaysia lecturer Syaza Syukri agreed, noting that the unity coalition came together without clear agreements on policies, which has slowed reform efforts. 'The current government came together for the sake of forming an administration without putting much thought into its framework and agreements, besides how to share the spoils of power,' she told FMT. 'Had we a clearer blueprint, maybe it could have empowered Anwar to do more. Now, it seems like there's a constant need for negotiations, which is impeding his reform agenda.' However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara took a different view, saying that the perception that reforms and institutional changes promised by Anwar's Pakatan Harapan coalition have been slow was misplaced. He said the government's anti-corruption efforts were a 'strong start'. 'You have to start at the foundation to eradicate corruption, which has long plagued our civil institutions,' he said. Anwar was sworn in as the 10th prime minister on Nov 24, 2022, after a unity coalition was formed between PH, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sarawak and Warisan. PH leaders have previously said they were not in a position to deliver on all their election pledges due to the constraints of governing within a broad-based unity government. Anwar, for his part, has consistently defended the pace of reforms of his administration, saying that meaningful change takes time and must be pursued with wisdom and broad political support. He also pointed to the reality that PH's 82 MPs do not even make up a simple majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat. Nonetheless, he said, with the support of all its coalition partners, the government has been able to push through impactful national programmes. 'You can't take things for granted (in the unity government). The process of negotiation, discussion and engagement is important,' said Anwar.
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Claim that Malay language is under threat merely political rhetoric, say analysts
EXPERTS have described the allegation that the Malay language is being sidelined under the MADANI Government as unfounded and contradictory to the administration's ongoing efforts to strengthen the national language's status. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi views the MADANI Government as more progressive and consistent in promoting Malay as the primary medium of administration and national discourse, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. 'The claim that the Malay language is losing its role is merely a political strategy,' he said, commenting on a statement made yesterday by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who alleged that the Malay language and the position of the Malays are facing mounting threats under the current government. According to Awang Azman, the statement is also inconsistent with Dr Mahathir's administrative history, notably when he introduced the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) policy in 2003. 'The policy provoked an intense backlash, as many parties, including the Movement to Abolish PPSMI, criticised it for diminishing the Malay language as a medium of knowledge and education,' he said. Awang Azman stated that calls to unite the Malays must be accompanied by concrete actions that are consistent with the principles of justice, inclusivity and respect for Malaysia's cultural and linguistic diversity. Echoing this view, National Professors Council Fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan pointed out that this is not the first time Dr Mahathir has used the 'Malay issue' to advance his political objectives. 'There is no such thing as the Malay language being under threat. It is only a small minority who view Malay as unintellectual, but in reality, it is they who lack intelligence. 'The current situation is much more stable compared to when the ICERD issue (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) and the recognition of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court arose in 2018 duringDr Mahathir's administration, which at that time sparked concern among the Malay community,' he said. Meanwhile, a lecturer at the Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Law, International Islamic University Malaysia, Associate Professor Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz, emphasised that the rights of the Malays, including the status of the Malay language as the official language, are enshrined in the Federal Constitution. 'The King and the ruling government are responsible for implementing the relevant provisions. If anyone claims that the government is failing to uphold these provisions, they must present clear evidence. 'This issue concerning the rights of the Malays has long been used as a political argument by various parties, but its status remains steadfastly protected within the framework of the Constitution,' he said. Shamrahayu stressed that every government is responsible for ensuring the ongoing fulfilment of Malay rights, adding that any neglect of these provisions contradicts the spirit of the Constitution. ‒ June 6, 2025 Main image: Tech Wire Asia
Barnama
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Claim That Malay Language Is Under Threat Merely Political Rhetoric
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Experts have described the allegation that the Malay language is being sidelined under the MADANI Government as unfounded and contradictory to the administration's ongoing efforts to strengthen the national language's status. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi views the MADANI Government as more progressive and consistent in promoting Malay as the primary medium of administration and national discourse, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. "The claim that the Malay language is losing its role is merely a political strategy," he said, commenting on a statement made yesterday by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who alleged that the Malay language and the position of the Malays are facing mounting threats under the current government. According to Awang Azman, the statement is also inconsistent with Dr Mahathir's administrative history, notably when he introduced the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) policy in 2003. "The policy provoked an intense backlash, as many parties, including the Movement to Abolish PPSMI, criticised it for diminishing the Malay language as a medium of knowledge and education," he said. Awang Azman stated that calls to unite the Malays must be accompanied by concrete actions that are consistent with the principles of justice, inclusivity, and respect for Malaysia's cultural and linguistic diversity. Echoing this view, National Professors Council Fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan pointed out that this is not the first time Dr Mahathir has used the 'Malay issue' to advance his political objectives. "There is no such thing as the Malay language being under threat. It is only a small minority who view Malay as unintellectual, but in reality, it is they who lack intelligence. "The current situation is much more stable compared to when the ICERD issue (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) and the recognition of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court arose in 2018 during Tun Dr Mahathir's administration, which at that time sparked concern among the Malay community," he said.
Free Malaysia Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR faces uphill battle to win Kelantan from PAS
An analyst said PKR only has a chance of capturing Kelantan if there is a major split within PAS. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Analysts believe that PKR's odds of capturing Kelantan are slim, given PAS's dominance in the state over the past 35 years, during which it has become deeply ingrained in local culture. Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya said while opportunities for PKR to take Kelantan might arise in the event of a major split within PAS, PKR must first build a more inclusive narrative that aligns with Islamic values and local culture. Awang Azman Awang Pawi. He also said PKR's ambition to take over Kelantan would require consistent hard work and political investment. 'Kelantan is not just a PAS stronghold, but a symbol of the party's ideology and identity which dates back to the era of former menteri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and continues to the present leadership. 'PAS's influence extends beyond politics – it includes culture, Islamic education, and social networks that are deeply rooted in the local community,' he told FMT. Former PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail recently said that PKR had the potential to win Kelantan. Wan Azizah, the chairman of the PKR advisory council, said the party's strong internal cooperation was attracting more people to its cause. Describing Wan Azizah's view as overly optimistic, Awang Azman said Kelantan voters tend to support PAS and Perikatan Nasional as they had successfully crafted an Islamic narrative that resonates with grassroots sentiments while projecting a 'clean politics' image. He said PAS's machinery was far more organised and rooted in local mosques, prayer halls, religious schools, and Islamic NGOs, in contrast to PKR whose strength lay mainly in urban and semi-urban areas. Azmi Hassan. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara agreed, saying it would be difficult for PKR, as a multiracial party, to gain the support of voters in Kelantan where the population is predominantly Malay. 'It's almost impossible for PKR or Pakatan Harapan (PH) to compete with the stability of the SG4 states (Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, and Kedah) if they go it alone. 'But if PH and Umno can forge the right kind of cooperation, there might be a chance,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Different configuration in Sabah won't affect govt's cohesion, say analysts
GRS and PH form the backbone of the state government in Sabah, while BN and Warisan sit in the opposition. PETALING JAYA : The unity government's cohesion will not be affected even if the political configuration of the next Sabah government does not align with that of the federal administration, say analysts. Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Pawi and Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the present federal government has been able to function well even though Barisan Nasional and Warisan sit as the opposition in the Sabah legislative assembly. This is due to Sabah's distinct political landscape which is dominated by local parties. Bilcher said Sabah's dynamic political environment makes it necessary for parties in the unity government to take a more flexible approach to the formation of the state government given the local realities. Bilcher Bala. 'The alliances at the state and federal levels are capable of functioning separately without one affecting the other. 'BN and Warisan are in the opposition in the Sabah assembly but are still working together with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan at the federal level,' he told FMT. He said the country has no 'one-size-fits-all' model that can be applied to Sabah. Awang Azman agreed, saying the difference in political setups at the federal and state levels can still be managed through mutual understanding and respect within the unity government. Awang Azman Pawi. He said Sabah's complex political landscape has led to frequent changes in the state administration, with political lines being drawn according to regions, ethnicities, parties and even personalities. 'Therefore, forcing the federal model of cooperation on Sabah without taking into account the local context can actually disrupt the state's political stability and result in the neglect of Sabahans' needs and aspirations,' said Awang Azman. Last week, GRS deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali said Sabah should not be forced to replicate the federal government's unity model in its upcoming state election. Armizan said a memorandum of understanding signed by five political coalitions and parties in December 2022 pertained solely to cooperation in forming the federal government and did not extend to state administrations. Both GRS and BN are courting PH for an alliance in the upcoming Sabah state election, which must be held by the end of the year.
