PM is warning parties trying to withdraw support for govt - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - The statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the 15th General Election (GE15) would be held at any time, is regarded as a warning to parties trying to threaten to withdraw their support for the government.

Sociopolitical analyst Datuk M.Periasamy said Bersatu was trying to pressure Ismail Sabri to appoint a Deputy Prime Minister from the party and the Prime Minister did not apppoint a deputy, they will withdraw their support.

"If it happens, it will reduce the support of the majority in Parliament and the Prime Minister will have no other choice but to dissolve Parliament.

"It should be the opposition demanding for the dissolution of Parliament. But today, Bersatu, which is a component of the government, wants to withdraw their support. He has the right, but this is not mature democracy.

"So when the Prime Minister said they are always ready, including to hold GE15 early, it is clearly a form of warning to those who are trying to threaten to withdraw support," he told Sinar Harian on Sunday.

On Saturday, Ismail Sabri said the government under his leadership was always prepared to face any possibilities, including to hold GE15 sooner, should Perikatan Nasional (PN) wish to withdraw support for the government.

Periasamy said he was of the view that Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno were indeed prepared to face GE15.

However, it was not what the people want right now.

"This is because the government still needs to continue its efforts to restore the economy, giving aid and so on. There are many other things that needed to be resolved, so GE15 is not a priority right now," he said.

Periasamy added that withdrawing support for the government when the country's economy was almost “drowning” reflected the immature democracy.

He said the action will undermine the political stability in Malaysia in the eyes of investors and foreign countries.

"Supporting and not supporting are characteristics of democracy. But a mature democracy means that we have to be patient and attentive to the people.

"The government is trying to restore the economy which was affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, the opposition also urged the Prime Minister to continue his administration (the PN government) for the sake of the country and the people.

"All parties should support Ismail Sabri's efforts to manage the country which is also well received by majority of the people," he said.