Malaysia's opposition coalition disputes over racial policy

Malaysia's opposition coalition disputes over racial policy

Posted by kasee

Wednesday, 12 March 2008

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia's opposition coalition is showing signs of cracks even before the state governments are properly formed. Opposition party PAS (Parti Se Islam) has defended the New Economic Policy (NEP), a day after the Democratic Action Party said it will dismantle the policy in Penang. PAS Party President Hadi Awang said the NEP should not be abolished, though he admitted there are areas that can be improved. A day after the newly appointed chief minister of Penang announced his decision to run the state free of the controversial affirmative action policies, coalition partner PAS is already voicing its disagreement. "We will not abolish it. The New Economic Policy has many good aspects and should be allowed to continue," said the PAS president. However, Mr Abdul Hadi backed plans to reform the NEP, which favours Malays. The PAS president stressed that the preferential treatments should not be at the expense of other races. Mr Abdul Hadi also insisted that there is no formal pact with the Chinese-controlled Democratic Action Party. He added that PAS only recognises PKR defacto president Anwar Ibrahim as the representative in the three-party electoral pact. "There's only alliance between PAS and PKR, there's no formal alliance with DAP. Anwar is our representative," said Mr Abdul Hadi. The PAS leader said Mr Anwar will only be formally considered the head of the opposition coalition after he wins a by-election. Former deputy premier Anwar, who was barred from contesting in the last election due to his corruption conviction, is widely expected to seek a by election after mid April in Permatang Pauh. His wife, daughter and other PKR MPs have expressed their readiness to step aside to make way for his formal return. Political analysts foresee problems ahead for the opposition coalition especially without a common ideological platform. "They have different agendas. It's going to be very difficult for the Barisan alternative or the alternative front to try to come to grips with this problem," said Associate Professor Khoo Kay Khim, University Malaya. The transition period has created much uncertainty among Malaysians, as the Barisan Nasional coalition tries desperately to restore public and investor confidence. - CHANNEL NEWSASIA