KUALA LUMPUR: The King has spoken. He has consented to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the Prime Minister heading a unity government.
Malaysians can now breathe a sigh of relief, after five days of gripping political uncertainty following last Saturday’s elections. Thanks to the wisdom of our King and his efforts to end the impasse following the 15 General election.
The subsequent movements, arrangements, alliances, agreements, denials, and fake news only served to deepen the despondency of the people who had hoped for stability amidst the uncertainty.
The King’s consistent call for a unity government underscores his efforts at creating an environment that promotes national unity and cares for the less fortunate in society, regardless of race, religion, politics, or region.
His concerns were hopefully echoed by his fellow rulers when he met them today.
The rakyat must now respond by giving full support to the unity government, even if the outcome was not exactly what some had hoped for.
After all, we are all in this together. We face similar problems, have similar aspirations, and have hopes of living harmoniously with each other.
And so, let’s put our political differences aside and put our shoulders to the wheel for the good of all.
The recent political uncertainties have had an adverse effect on the economy and have made investors a little reticent.
This will not be good for the country in the long run. We need stability and unity, both of which are precursors to economic progress and harmonious living.
After all, this is the reason that Malaysians came out to vote in greater numbers than during GE14. One account put the figure at nearly 15 million.
Of course, the opposition will also have a crucial role to play. They must always be vigilant against policies and actions that are not conducive to harmonious living in line with our Rukun Negara.
And so, from both sides of the political divide, we hope that those who propose and those who oppose do act in line with democratic principles.
** Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye is Trustee of the Malaysian Unity Foundation
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
Lee Lam Thye
Thu Nov 24 2022
The King has consented to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the Prime Minister to head a unity government - File Pic/REUTERS
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.