Leaders fighting each other will not do anyone any good - Political Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The war drums for the 15th General Election (GE15) have not yet sounded but the heat is already felt as most political parties have begun drawing up strategies and mobilising their election machinery to win the hearts of the voters.

Political attacks are also becoming rampant, not only between the government and the opposition blocs but also within their own coalitions.

This situation has also prompted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to make an open statement calling for Barisan Nasional (BN) and UMNO allies not to attack each other and describing personal attacks on him as attempts to weaken the BN leadership.

Political analyst Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) said that the bickering between political leaders should be stopped as such actions would not do anyone any good, especially in the Malaysian context of a multi-racial society.

“I think the best thing is that they need to bring a mature political agenda...that is to talk about fundamental issues...and prioritise the interest of the people.

“Reduce political rhetorics, reduce divisive sentiments...that is what I am saying. Bring mature politics by reducing the negativity and increasing the positivity, there needs to be moderation in politics,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

The political analyst also opined that Malay political leaders must set aside their egos and differences to be able to achieve the national agenda and work together to revive the country which had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living.

Ketereh Member of Parliament Tan Sri Annuar Musa in a Facebook posting recently also expressed worries about several political leaders fighting each other.

While reiterating that the results of the GE14 had seen Malay parties going separate ways and BN lost after 60 years in power, Annuar who is also Communications and Multimedia Minister, said everyone’s focus now should be on the efforts to strengthen unity and enhance solidarity.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Faculty of Communication and Media Studies lecturer, Professor Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman was also of the view that the establishment of more Malay parties will not only create division but will also harm the nation.

As such, he said leaders of Malay political parties should practice diplomacy in politics and set aside personal interests and agendas to bring down other leaders.

“Right now, the ruling government does not comprise only one dominant party, but several parties. What’s scary is that even when they are in the same Cabinet, they may have their own agenda to topple other parties or leaders.

“At the end of the day, the image tarnished would be of the Prime Minister’s...this is what needs to be avoided,” he said.

Meanwhile, Negaraku Brigade president Khairul Nizam Mohd Sopery said all leaders should stick with Ismail Sabri to revive and rebuild the country.

“Politically, we want check-and-balance that does not lead to division. It is okay to have differences of opinions but the opinions should be constructive and not destructive.

“Apart from that, the emergence of too many parties would also lead to an unhealthy political atmosphere even though it is allowed in the democratic system,” he said.

The Negaraku Brigade is a non-governmental organisation involved in activities to strengthen unity.

-- BERNAMA