CSA amaran Anwar kepada BN, kata penganalisis

Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim had suggested today during a session in the Dewan Rakyat that a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) with the opposition might serve as a warning to Barisan Nasional (BN) not to seek support for the government's budget or foundation, according to political analyst Azmi Hassan. The offer, however, might not bolster Anwar's grip on power as he already holds more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats, including from BN, he noted.

Azmi indicated that BN is expected to continue supporting the government's foundation until Parliament is dissolved, even if not necessarily in favor of Anwar from a political standpoint. He expressed the statement as a cautionary message to BN, advising them not to rely on his support through voting for his budget and foundation, given the CSA with the opposition, similar to the agreement used when he was the opposition leader.

In September 2021, the Ismail Sabri Yaakob-led government signed a deal with Pakatan Harapan (PH) that included commitments to regional development, among other things. In response, PH agreed to support or abstain from critical legislation and budgets, including the 2022 budget. Earlier today, Anwar mentioned in the Dewan Rakyat that the government's budget is open for discussion with the opposition and appointed Fadillah Yusof as Deputy Prime Minister to lead the debate.

However, Perikatan Nasional (PN) previously rejected a draft memorandum of understanding from the government regarding regional development, sparking concerns over institutionalization, freedom of speech, the 3R issue, property declaration, and unclear funding mechanisms. Azmi believes that regional development should be established through legislation so that opposition MPs' rights are clear and not dependent on government goodwill.

Meanwhile, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia's Syaza Shukri expects the debate to fail due to the opposition lacking strong reasons to accept the offer. She said that the opposition has been enduring four years without a budget and can continue this way for another year while using the issue to blame Anwar. "However, this does not undermine Anwar's position as he still has a majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

This is merely rhetoric from both sides for their own benefit," she said. Syaza added that regional development should be institutionalized so it is not dependent on the goodwill of the prime minister or ruling government. She also noted that PH previously advocated for the same during its opposition days, and the budget is the legitimate right of elected MPs.

She also speculated that Anwar might consider engaging with PN if his ties with Umno become more fragile.