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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Najib Razak has been grappling with problems faced by parties in his ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.
But he is not alone, as the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance is not faring any better. Its leader, Anwar Ibrahim, and his party PKR, are seen to be losing control.
One of his lawmakers in the opposition-controlled state of Selangor left the alliance, citing loss of faith in his leadership. In addition, there was a revolt over the appointment of a new PKR leader in the East Malaysian state of Sabah.
Some blame the ruling party, UMNO, for Pakatan's rising problems. "There's an attempt by UMNO to destabalise Pakatan Rakyat. This is one way to achieve their objective," said Azmin Ali, vice-president, PKR.
Others dismiss the recent events as nothing more than growing pains. "There is always problem whenever we want to grow. We are now managing our success," said Tian Chua, information chief, PKR.
The more cohesive opposition Islamist party, PAS, has not been spared from strife. Infighting has prompted the party's spiritual leader to call for an EGM to rid those in favour of forging a unity government with UMNO.
At a central committee meeting, the PAS president said talks with UMNO will end, and the party will instead focus on strengthening the opposition alliance.
"We have decided to put an end to all talks on unity government and remain with the opposition alliance," said Abdul Hadi Awang, president, PAS.
PAS vowed to take disciplinary action against problematic leaders, but not everyone is deterred by that threat.
"I have been appointed or elected as deputy president with an overwhelming majority, the members speak for themselves, the results of the muktamar speaks for themselves," said Nasharuddin Mat Isa, deputy president, PAS.
Many feel that the infighting and the politicking are not going to go away anytime soon. But party veterans are calling on all sides to look beyond their differences, and reach for the common goal of capturing Putrajaya.
"The election could be held as early as 2011. Otherwise, we will not be ready for it. Pakatan is still intact. There are differences even in DAP itself. I hope these differences will be ironed out before the election," said Karpal Singh, chairman, DAP.
Malaysians will be watching with keen interest as both sides of the political divide race against time to win their trust and support before the next general election that must be held before 2013.
- CNA/sc
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