Kuching: The public is growing increasingly frustrated with the repeated excuse that Pakatan Harapan cannot implement reforms because it holds only 82 seats in Parliament and must first secure consensus from every component party in the current Federal Government.
True leadership is not about waiting for perfect conditions – it is about having the courage to act when the opportunity arises.
The issue of UEC recognition provides a clear example. Recognition of the UEC was explicitly pledged in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto.
Moreover, both GPS and GRS have already recognised the UEC at the state level.
This demonstrates that reaching the required threshold of 112 Members of Parliament is not an insurmountable obstacle.
Even Barisan Nasional, under Najib Razak’s leadership, had previously committed to recognising the UEC in its election manifesto.
If BN could take that position, there is no legitimate justification for opposing it now.
Those in UMNO who continue to support Najib cannot selectively ignore this commitment simply because it has become politically inconvenient.
Some within UMNO may have shifted their stance and resorted to political threats once again, warning they may withdraw support from the unity government. Such threats are not new.
Individuals like Dr. Akmal have repeatedly issued similar ultimatums, including openly threatening to collaborate with PAS.
Malaysia cannot be held hostage by racial politics and perpetual blackmail.
We should not lower our principles simply to appease those who threaten to walk away. If politicians like Dr Akmal choose to leave, so be it.
Malaysia will be better off without leaders who rely on racial fear and division instead of policy, progress, and nation-building.
This is a defining moment. We must stand firmly by our principles and seize this opportunity to deliver the reforms the country truly needs.
Leadership demands conviction, not compromise at the expense of justice, fairness, and progress.
Michael Kong Feng Nian
DAP Sarawak Assistant Publicity Secretary
8 January 2026
