Langkah Zafrul: PKR and Umno must resolve tensions for Unity Government stability - Analysts
Tensions between PKR and Umno threaten Unity Government's future
SHAH ALAM - Political analysts had called on PKR and Umno, two major entities within Unity Government to prioritise camaraderie and resolve tensions to avoid jeopardising the coalition’s stability.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Associate Professor Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain had warned that mutual distrust could lead to larger issues beyond the alleged ‘poaching’ of party members.
“What is happening now relates to the concept of camaraderie and cooperation within the Unity Government.
"Speaking about the possibility of Barisan Nasional (BN) or Umno deciding to sever ties, we cannot predict what the future holds.
"However, this creates some level of doubt, threatening the spirit of camaraderie. This issue can be resolved because both sides are already aware of it.
“If possible, hold a heart-to-heart discussion and focus on cooperation within the context of long-term gains rather than merely short-term benefits,” he said.
The ongoing tension had been exacerbated by rumours of Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz potentially joining PKR and speculation about him replacing Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as Selangor Menteri Besar.
However, Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki on behalf of party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that recruiting members or leaders from other parties would only incite disputes and conflicts that could disrupt the coalition.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Centre for Media Warfare Studies Senior Lecturer Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin viewed the discord as an internal conflict that had to be addressed quickly to prevent the coalition from fracturing.
He emphasised that the priority at that time should have been ensuring smooth national economic development while practising a mature democratic system.
“From the people’s perspective, they were already tired of the series of past elections and the political manoeuvring that seemed disconnected from the interests of society.
"The reforms introduced by the Madani Government should have unified political leaders and been free from any conflict within these two years. That was what the public wanted, provided it benefited the country,” he added.
