Forming a viable electoral pact is more important for the proposed “grand coalition” of opposition parties rather than a common policy framework, analysts have said.
DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang recently said that the common policy framework of the former Pakatan Rakyat can be the basis for the new grand coalition, but analysts believe in order for the coalition to function, issues such as straight fights and seat distribution needs to be addressed first.
“I would say take it one step at a time. They will have to look at seat distribution, ensuring straight fights. If they even manage to have an electoral pact in place before the next elections, that is a feat,” said Dr Faisal Hazis, associate professor at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Faisal said that having a common platform is “important” for the grand coalition but finer issues such as the determination of leadership can be ironed out after the elections.
Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) said that having a common policy is not imperative to electoral performances, as evidenced by the 2008 general elections, as the opposition parties went into the elections without a common policy.
“In the 2008 elections, Pakatan Rakyat performed quite well and they did not have a common policy then. So it is all up to the rakyat. But it is not necessary to have a common policy in place before elections, they can go to elections without a common policy,” he said.
But he said crucial “universal values” must be agreed upon, and seat distribution also must be sorted.
“The important part is to ensure straight fights. Of course, without straight fights, it is going to be impossible,” he said.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s Dr Jeniri Amir also had a similar view, emphasising on seat distribution among the parties.
He also said that PAS should also be included in the discussion if the Opposition was serious in taking on BN.
“If you cannot decide on this, then it is no point forming any framework because at the end, it boils down to seat allocations among parties.
“Second is the opposition needs PAS because the party serves as the determinant on whether the opposition or “grand coalition” can win against BN,” he said.
PAS, Jeniri said will definitely trigger three-cornered fights if it contested on its own with Parti Ikatan Bangsa (Ikatan) under the Gagasan Sejahtera coalition.
This, he added will result in a victory for BN.
“If the opposition can decide on seat allocations, then the next topic to discuss on will be the framework to ensure all parties sing the same tune,” he added.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) pro-tem president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently said that he hopes that the grand coalition can be formed by the end of the year. – themalaymailonline.
