Pressing need for PN to establish presidential council - Analysts

Universiti Malaya (UM) socio-political analyst, Assoc Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said while the Cabinet meeting is where the nation's policies are deliberated, this 'council' would take on the important role of charting political direction, this after taking into consideration that the ruling coalition is now still in its 'infancy'.

"It will also serve as a platform for the parties to set a 'common single direction," he said, while pointing out that this political cooperation is already being watched closely by the people and the Opposition.

"What's unique about this new government is that it does not have a manifesto, each party such as Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Barisan Nasional (BN), PAS, and even those from PKR had been pitching their own separate manifestos, and now they have come together to form the government.

"What is required now is for them to sit on one platform or in a council, amalgamate their respective manifestos as a cluster and find a meeting point, find what they can deliver for the people," he told Bernama

The Federal Government under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's leadership is currently based on a political cooperation between Bersatu, BN, PAS and several former PKR leaders through Perikatan Nasional (PN) and also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Awang Azman said this specific platform could function the same way as Pakatan Harapan's Presidential Council.

"This (presidential council) is where discourse can be held by the respective political parties on issues, and for them to be later raised at government level. My view is that for more efficient administration at party level, and also for national policies at the ministerial level, this coalition needs to establish this (presidential) council," he said.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political and international studies senior lecturer Md Shukri Shuib echoed Awang Azman's views on the need to set up such a council, but was of the opinion that it need not emulate the PH Presidential Council format.

"All it needs is for the PN chairmanship to be given to the prime minister, also create the chief secretary and chief treasurer posts. As for the rest of the coalition party leaders, they can be part of the Supreme Council. The PN chairman must also be given the power to make the final decision," he added.