OCTOBER 23 — As Malaysia is heading to the 15th General Election, which is set to take place on November 19, 2022, many perceive that it would be difficult for any political party to secure a two-third majority in forming a government.
Malaysia is an example of a single-party dominance for 60 years. Our electoral system, the first past the post system, where the majority wins, even if the difference is by one vote will form a government. Thus, the Prime Minister will be chosen from the winning party.
However, if there is no majority in forming a government then, the likelihood of a “hung parliament” taking place is there.
Hung Parliament simply means a parliament in which no political party has enough seats to secure an overall majority.
So, when this happens, it is perceived to be difficult for the members at the Federal level to find common ground to work together. Nevertheless, this is not the issue, when a hung parliament could bring out the common good within the members of Parliament.
In fact, Malaysia did encounter this during the last 2 terms after the collapse of Pakatan Harapan. Thus, both coalitions that broke down which resulted in a hung parliament perhaps did bring out a common good, when certain laws in favor of the stability of the country were passed.
The anti-party hopping law, which was tabled, passed by more than two-third, and is now in force, shows a possibility of a functioning government that finds common ground in working together.
Perhaps, we can take reference from the United Kingdom where it was not common for that country’s election to result in a hung parliament. The UK went through a hung Parliament in 1974. And once again faced such a scenario in the years 2010 and 2017. Even as such, the UK has been a functioning government. Reference could also be made to New Zealand, where decisions and legislation passed pertaining to the Covid 19 pandemic were for the country’s best interest.
Thus, as said by Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, there is the possibility of a unity government forming after the 15th general election, but to enable such forming, there is a need, to be honest, and transparent with each other for it to be successful.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.emonic
