Being honest may not get you a lot of friends but it’ll always get you the right ones.
– John Lennon of The Beatles
Seriously, I’ve grown quite tired of my friends and associates asking me whether seven or eight Umno MPs are contemplating leaving the unity government.
It’s not just one or two fellows but several who kept pestering for confirmation on the matter. I wonder why so many of my friends are such political animals.
It’s more than just having a keen interest in politics. When you start paying attention to rumours about politics, you are heading for serious trouble if the speculations bother you and cause you sleepless nights.
The talk about Umno MPs withdrawing support for the government is considered “bad news” if you are a Pakatan Harapan supporter.
The truth is I don’t know anything about the latest rumour because I have nothing concrete to believe that the speculation is more than mere rumour.
Well, such talk about the imminent collapse of the unity government has been bandied about ever since Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the prime minister on Nov 24 last year. So, what else is new?
Let me give you all some good news. To supporters of the Madani government, this is probably the most positive message in recent days and weeks.
And this is not a rumour. This is a promise from the government and people of Sarawak to the prime minister and the federal government.
The declaration by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to support the unity government led by Anwar until the next general election should send positive vibes to Malaysians throughout the country.
GPS chairperson Abang Johari said the support was important to ensure stability that will allow the unity government to rule with better focus.
“We give you (Anwar) full support and have a stable federal government until the next election,” he said at the national level Malaysia Day 2023 celebrations on Sept 16 where Anwar was also present.
I, for one, believe that the Sarawak premier will keep his word for he must have enough of the political turmoil in Malaya over the past few years which has also affected Sarawak.
Sarawakians know that Abang Johari is a leader who wishes to earnestly implement his plans and programmes for Sarawak quickly and the political instability at the federal level has hindered his work in some ways.
The premier has lamented that some politicians in Malaya were wasting too much time quarrelling over petty matters and this was something which he finds great difficulty in comprehending.
Abang Johari will surely appreciate less of such nonsensical distractions from quarrelsome politicians and troublemakers in Malaya.
I am sure Anwar left Kuching on Sunday morning a very happy and confident prime minister with Abang Johari’s assurance of support for his Madani government.
Nine months in, it has not been an easy ride for the prime minister. Anwar has to face many backlashes for some of his decisions and there must have been times when he felt very insecure about his position and the stability of the unity government that he leads.
Now with the open declaration of support from Sarawak, I believe the prime minister will be able to sleep better at night. Add in the support from Sabah, Anwar should sleep soundly from now on.
Abang Johari’s declaration of support comes on the heels of a similar assurance given last month by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who said it will ensure the country moves forward progressively.
In a show of their strong support, the two leaders were also present at a school during the nomination for the state election in Gombak on August 2. This was a first for any federal government.
I think it is also important for government allies to support long-term planning and policies that may not yield immediate results. Knowing they have the backing of allies, governments can take on projects that span multiple terms, such as infrastructure development or education reform. I think Anwar should be given 10 years as prime minister.
Of course, support from allies in a government is crucial for maintaining political stability, ensuring effective governance, and addressing the complex challenges that governments face.
I hope to hear fewer rumours about the unity government collapsing and of plots and coups spearheaded by those who have nothing better to do than to scheme and dream day and night about overthrowing the government.
These are the idiots who are probably responsible for rumour-mongering, hoping to spread negative vibes about the government.
To my dear friends who cannot stop talking or worrying about negative political rumours, I say – pay no attention to them and they will eventually disappear.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
