Consensus, cooperation key to success of Unity Gov't Cabinet - Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: The success of the Unity Government Cabinet will be measured based on the consensus and cooperation as a group despite the ministers being from different political parties.

Socio-cultural analyst Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi said the narrative that cooperation was difficult to form between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) was inaccurate, as both parties shared the same basis of 'cultural diversity'.

"BN has been a multi-racial party from the beginning, we see that PH also is similar. The same goes for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

"This situation is different for Bersatu and PAS which are more towards one race or religion," he said when appearing on the 'Ruang Bicara' programme produced by BernamaTV, last night.

Meanwhile commenting on the tabling of the vote of confidence motion at the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Dc 19, Mohd Tajuddin said all MPs need to unite and work together to face the 'test' in an effort to save and develop the country despite their differences in ideologies.

"The legitimacy of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which is being said (will be determined) on Dec 19, I don't see it as a question of his legitimacy but that is a 'test' for the MPs, are they united and ready to defend the country together. So this is a test for them, and not the Prime Minister," he said.

Meanwhile, the PEACE Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Zokhri Idris said he felt that the appointment of the Cabinet ministers was apt based on their respective expertise.

"It is true that there are criticisms on a couple of positions, but that cannot be the reason for questioning the appropriateness of the appointment of the ministers.

"I see that the line-up is quite appropriate and (the ministers) have been placed in the right ministerial positions," he said, adding that it was still too early to make an assessment as the deputy ministers had yet to be appointed and that the unity government should be given some time and space to govern the country.

Zokhri also hoped that the Cabinet could show the value of inclusiveness and the spirit of consensus based on 'leadership by example' which could have a domino effect on the well-being of the people.

-- BERNAMA