Unity govt is stable, overthrow unlikely to happen, says analyst

SHAH ALAM - The unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen as stable as it does not face a possible 'overthrow' as compared to the several previous administrations.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations Professor Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said the foundation for stability takes into account the support of 148 MPs for the current government.

He said there was no potential for any MP to take back their support for the government, as happened previously, as they are tied to the Anti-Party Hopping Act.

"My academic view is that the government is stable as there are 148 (MPs supporting).

"Although there are (probably) some MPs who may not be comfortable sitting in the government, based on the establishment of the government based on Istana Negara’s inspiration, the support of 148 (MPs), and the existence of the Anti-Party Hopping Laws, which guarantees the government will not fall or be overthrown as before.

"Previously we didn’t know that each individual or MP had a right to decide themselves to change parties, but now it couldn’t be done," he said during the 396 Edition of Wacana titled ‘Political Kamikaze: Cheap or Selfish?’ aired on all Sinar Harian platforms on Tuesday.

The programme was live for an hour and featured two other panellists, PKR Central Leadership Council member Datuk Romli Ishak and Bersatu Supreme Council member Dr Muhammad Faiz Na'Aman, while Ismail Adnan was the moderator.

Commenting on claims of a plot to topple the government, Azizuddin described it as simply a perception ahead of the state elections soon.

However, he said these rumours could compromise the nation’s economy, which is heading in a positive direction currently.

"I’m worried that if this perception is not addressed, it will create uncertainty in the country that will particularly affect the economy.

"For example, foreign investors would see Malaysia’s economy stabilising, which is why they would invest," he said.