SHAH ALAM – The agreement between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to cease personal disputes and withdraw defamation lawsuits against each other could mark the beginning of greater national reconciliation in the future.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu literacy and political advocacy unit research fellow, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim said this development was positive for the country.
However, he said that this agreement had not yet reached the level of a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) like the one signed between Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's government and the opposition led by Anwar at that time.
"Anwar and Muhyiddin are two key figures in the country and their behaviour will have significant implications for the stability of the country's political climate.
"This is because political stability will be a driver for the country to move more smoothly towards progress, particularly in stimulating Malaysia's economy," he told Sinar.
He said this when asked to comment on Anwar and Muhyiddin's agreement to cease personal disputes and withdraw defamation lawsuits against each other.
It was reported that both political figures agreed to do so after considering the High Court Judge's recommendations and the current state of the country, especially concerning the people's livelihood.
When asked whether this latest development would affect the political climate of the country, particularly ahead of the Sungai Bakap state legislative assembly by-election, Yusri believed the opposition would still play a role in criticising the government.
"Making peace does not mean that they cannot criticise. At all times, the opposition must play a role in checking and balancing the government's policies and practices, including offering constructive suggestions.
"Besides expecting a competent government, we also hope for a constructive opposition. To fulfil both of these functions, constructive criticism is very important for the country," he said.
He added that elections, including the Sungai Bakap by-election, were opportunities for political parties to offer the best proposals to the people.
He said that this process should be allowed to occur maturely and wisely and should not be hindered just because the government and the opposition are initiating reconciliation efforts.