Speaker’s Bersatu 6 decision a double-edged sword, says analyst

Partisan actions by a parliamentary speaker could diminish confidence in the speaker’s impartiality and in the government’s credibility.

(FMT) – The Dewan Rakyat speaker’s decision not to vacate the seats of six MPs formerly with Bersatu could strengthen the unity government, but not for long, according to an analyst.

The decision would immediately allow the government to maintain its parliamentary majority but its long-term stability depends on the conduct of the six former Bersatu members, said Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya.

“Continued cooperation can strengthen governance, while ongoing opposition can hinder it,” he said when commenting on the decision by the speaker, Johari Abdul, to maintain stability in Parliament by not compelling the six MPs to vacate their seats.

The six MPs are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

Bersatu said last month that they had ceased to be members after failing to respond to a notice to confirm their loyalty.

On Tuesday, Johari said there was no need for the six to vacate their seats.

Political analyst Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs cautioned that partisan actions by a parliamentary speaker could diminish confidence in the speaker’s impartiality and in the government’s credibility.

“However, these are challenging times, and it remains to be seen how much weight the government places on public opinion,” he said. “Many people prefer continuity in government, hoping for stability from one election to the next without mid-term changes.”

Awang Azman said public trust in Putrajaya hinges on the government’s performance and ability to meet its promises despite internal challenges.

“Effective governance could mitigate initial scepticism, whereas failure could increase public dissatisfaction,” he said.