'It must be truly a united government, no need united for Prime Minister'

SHAH ALAM - Marking the first anniversary of the Unity Government, former law minister Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim has advocated for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to governance.

This approach aimed to break traditional political barriers and encourage cooperation among diverse groups.

Zaid's impassioned plea for transformative change, encapsulated in the phrase "make it bigger," envisions a future where inclusivity and unity serve as the bedrock of a robust and resilient governance model.

"Make it bigger...Bring Pas in.

"It must be truly a united government.

"No need united for Prime Minister.

"Do things together, implement policies together, solve problems together," he told Sinar Daily in an exclusive interview recently.

Zaid acknowledged the current lack of fundamental unity in the government and expressed hope that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will focus on fostering unity, not just in Gaza's situation but also across Malaysia, especially in Peninsular Malaysia.

Zaid recommends a meeting among key political leaders, including the Prime Minister, Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, and Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to discuss and resolve ongoing issues.

“Can we start being happy together for the change?

“Can we sit down and be as friends, political friends?

“Can we say let's talk about subsidy issues and let's develop Kelantan,” he added.

The veteran lawmaker also called for a more effective unity government characterised by a broader representation, reduced political conflict, and a decrease in the targeting of political adversaries.

"I aspire for a better unity government with more participation, less conflict, and reduced politicking and accusations against political opponents," he said.

In a recent interview with American magazine Time, Anwar said he would welcome Pas into his administration in line with his vision in his current unity government.

However, Anwar also said Pas must recognise that Malaysia is a multireligious country and every citizen has a place.

Anwar, who is chairman of Pakatan Harapan, forged an alliance of Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, and Warisan after the General Election in November 2022, enabling him to form a unity government.

The alliance commands a total of 147 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.

The Opposition Perikatan Nasional has 74 seats and Muda holds one seat.