Pick the 'best of the worst', keep PAS at bay

YOURSAY | “Some non-Muslims are really bad at strategy.”COMMENT | 10 years or more of trials and tribulations for MalaysiaEmEmKay: Looking at the practical realities of our current political landscape, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim represents the most viable path forward, proving himself to be the “best of the worst" option available.Under the current circumstances, there are several compelling reasons why the Pakatan Harapan-led administration should be retained for another term:1. Economic resilience and ringgit strength: Despite severe global economic headwinds and geopolitical instability - including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East - the Malaysian economy has shown remarkable resilience.The steadying and strengthening of the ringgit, alongside stable gross domestic product (GDP) growth and rising foreign direct investment, demonstrate that the current economic management is steering the country in the right direction.2. Absence of systemic cabinet corruption: Unlike previous eras defined by mega-scandals, widespread embezzlement, and ministers treating public institutions as piggy banks, this government has maintained a clean baseline.The current leadership and ministers are not plundering state coffers or using governance to enrich themselves and their cronies.3. Political stability: After years of revolving-door prime ministers and constant political backstabbing, retaining the current government provides much-needed institutional stability to execute long-term structural reforms.Whatever weaknesses and compromises Harapan may have, returning to the proven corruption of past political alignments would be a step backwards. Keeping Anwar for a second term remains the safest and most constructive choice for Malaysia's continued economic recovery and stability.GrayWhale9636: BN was the coalition in the past that kept PAS at bay. MCA and MIC were experienced component parties, and thus knew what was needed to keep BN going.But unfortunately, the biggest scandal of the past decade, plus the accusations of MCA and MIC being toothless members in BN, led to its downfall.Many would have gravitated back to BN after tasting Harapan's leadership.Bringing people like former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin back into the fold had increased the hope that maybe Umno will change.But unfortunately, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi remains.And now with this pact involving PAS, those who considered voting back BN are reconsidering their options.That is the only hope to prevent PAS from being part of the federal government, because their voter base is fixed. Milshah: Malaysiakini columnist P Gunasegaram, based on your prediction of the 16th general election, Perikatan Nasional and BN will form the government.The non-Malays' worst nightmare of the rise of the Green Wave seems to come true.And you know the funny part? Some still want DAP to pull out of the unity government, rocking the boat that could probably trigger a general election. Yeah, I know DAP has 40 seats, but nobody is talking about DAP being part of the government in the next general election.I have to say it. Some non-Muslims are really bad at strategy, I mean bad bad. They want to pull out DAP, all “taikor” (big brother) and whatnot, then PAS becomes the government; they get mad. They caused it, and they get mad.Think before you do.Karma: A good piece by Gunasegaram. If people want to be pissed off at Harapan, PKR, Amanah or DAP and, by doing so, to pass the governing of the country to BN-PAS, so be it.This even though we did so well for the past three years. We deserve the government of the day.It is called karma.Try Parti Bersama Malaysia. Try Muda. See what will happen to this country. Corruption and disruptions will happen for the next five years because PAS will soon break up with everyone they form an alliance with.Expect Harapan to be back in the opposition.Apanama is back: Failed nation in the making, as our decline and decay have been hastened since the late 1980s.Moreover, the demographic change is skewed towards conservatism, and you should see where this country is leading.The country will go to rock bottom because a majority of society will begin to learn a lesson.Then a reset may or may not happen. Infighting, backstabbing, gluttony, etc will be the mantra of the day.Those who can afford it can take a flight. Those who are helpless watch what is happening.Finally, those who can comment, comment.Boboi: If Harapan can admit that it might be booted, the best it can do in the remaining months is push for deep reforms which protect critical institutions from abuse.We've seen too much siphoning from Tabung Haji, Felda, the littoral combat ship (LCS) project, corporate mafias and Retirement Fund (Incorporated) (KWAP). There must be solid checks and balances put in place, including devolving the powers of the prime minister and the executive.Change123: We must move away from the old tired themes of 2R issues.We must be Malaysian first, and build up our country to be strong and progressive, and able to compete with the best in the world. That should be our aspirations.Our Malaysian-born brothers and sisters have shone well overseas. Why can't we here in Malaysia? What are we good at now?Apart from badminton, I cannot think of anything else. And even that, we are slipping. Baba Quay: Thank you for painting a bleak future of Malaysia.Particularly for the non-Muslims, it's all more of gloom and doom.But we shall survive irrespective of which nincompoop helms the country.And I say the future lies with Bersama, Muda and all our young champions.The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.