By AFIQ AZIZ / Pic by TMR FILE PIX

THE political crisis in Putrajaya could be resolved if the next installed prime minister (PM) initiates the formation of a unity government, said Selangor Mentri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (picture).

Amirudin said this would also fulfil the wish of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah that a stable government can be established to lead the nation out of the pandemic crisis.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) Selangor chairman also said all parties including the PH bloc should find a consensus and restart a fresh political movement that can last longer.

“After several leadership crises, of course we are hoping that we can have a stable government, like what transpired by the Agong that a new government must consider all party’s interests.

“Personally, I believe this is the best time to formulate the Unity Government. It is one of the best formulas to ensure government stability while we are facing this pandemic” Amirudin said in a virtual press conference yesterday.

The Unity Government, or bipartisan government was first proposed by the seventh PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, two days after he abruptly resigned from his post last year after stating he no longer hold the majority of support by the Dewan Rakyat members.

Dr Mahathir who was serving his interim PM-ship at that time said, should he be given the chance to lead the nation again, the formed Unity Government will mandate professionals to run the administration and focus will be given to only manage the pandemic.

It is understood that the idea was, however, rejected by Parliamentarians.

Following that, Muhyiddin was sworn in as the eight PM on March 1, 2020. The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government managed the pandemic until daily cases were down to single digit through the Movement Control Order.

However, daily cases surged back in October 2020 and further climbed to almost 23,000 yesterday, while the national vaccination agenda is still far from completion.

“For the past 18 months, initially we see that there are not many problems when PN runs the administration but after several months, the PN formula was seen as unsustainable and could trigger instability.

“So, I think the Unity Government could be one of the solutions that we should think about,” said Amirudin.

He said with a continuous slim support, whoever is appointed as the next PM will not be able to hold on to the position.

Additionally, Amirudin also said the new PM should call the Opposition bloc to discuss and fill up the Cabinet position.

“An inclusive Cabinet must be formed accordingly, so there will be no parties that feel left behind and trigger any possibility or political movement that can cause the instability of the federal administration, which has greater power specially to tackle the current crisis,” he added.

Meanwhile, Amirudin said Selangor is expected to continuously give focus on economic recovery in the state 2022 budget.

Selangor allocated RM2.23 billion for the 2021 budget with 53% for administration and 47% for development expenses.

“I am still analysing data, so we can strengthen the budget for welfare. More importantly, we also need to jump start the economy so jobs can be created and move the chain of the economy and escape the restrictions caused by Covid-19 disease,” he said.

The Selangor State Legislative Assembly 2021 is expected to resume on Aug 23, after eight months postponed due to the proclamation of Emergency by the king in January.

Amirudin said Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has agreed to grace the opening ceremony.