SHAH ALAM - A political observer has firmly dismissed claims of the "Dubai Move," a supposed plot to topple the current government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to political analyst Professor Wong Chin Huat, these rumours are baseless and fueled by fear-mongering within the opposition.
He believed that Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin employed the same strategy similar to the one previously used by Anwar.
"Absolutely not possible. However, this is not the first time it has happened; Anwar did the same from 2020 to 2021.
"Anwar wanted to bring down the government, but it didn't happen; today's opposition is much weaker than Anwar was then.
"In my perspective, the government's allegation of the attempt to hurt the ruling coalition is actually something we need to ignore.
"We can use the technique of search and count, and ongoing speculations considered baseless,” Wong told Sinar Daily recently.
He stressed the assertion of government would collapse is deemed implausible, especially considering that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) currently has only 69 votes after deducting the five who defected.
He highlighted that to reach another 120 votes, an additional 51 votes would be needed.
He further exemplified that potential sources of additional votes, such as GPS and Barisan Nasional (BN), face internal hurdles and are unlikely to defect en masse.
Fixed-Term Parliament Proposal
For the opposition, Wong recommended a path of reconciliation rather than fear-monering.
He suggested approaching the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament to facilitate constructive dialogue and address concerns directly.
Wong argued that with peace established, the opposition need not fear defections, and the government would not be compelled to address unfounded rumours.
Prediction for 2024
On political landscape 2024, Wong said there are no indications of events leading to instability or collapse, nor are there any significant problems that may be exploited to target the government.
However, he stressed that there is a risk of encountering an early state election in Sabah, which can be avoided.
Wong urged for implementing an act, enactment, or ordinance establishing a fixed term for parliament or state assemblies.
He said the idea is to avoid holding unexpected early elections by allowing the legislature to finish its term.
"For example, in the business world or in other professional fields, future expectations can be made, but in politics, we don't know when the election will be.
"If we do that, at least the government will have time to focus its attention and energy on the administration of the country,” Wong said.