JULY 22 — Calls to dismiss Umno ministers or politically appointed members of government-linked companies (GLCs) whenever cooperation between elements of Umno and PAS becomes a subject of public debate may sound decisive, but they are unlikely to be practical. Coalition governments are built on compromise, not constant purges. 

Removing office holders at every sign of political disagreement could weaken the stability of the administration more than it strengthens it.

The more sustainable strategy is not to sack individuals but to reduce the perceived political incentives for any future electoral cooperation between Umno and PAS. 

In other words, the objective should be to sap the enthusiasm for such an arrangement by demonstrating that it carries significant electoral and political costs as well as potential benefits.

Malaysia’s Unity Government rests on a broad coalition that reflects the country’s diversity. Its support comes from Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahans and Sarawakians, each with distinct political priorities. 

Any long-term political strategy must therefore take into account the wider coalition rather than only one segment of the electorate.

Political calculations are rarely static. Parties constantly reassess whether particular alliances will improve or diminish their prospects. 

If influential political actors conclude that a closer understanding with PAS risks alienating large sections of non-Malay voters and voters in Sabah and Sarawak, the attraction of such cooperation may diminish on its own. 

Political incentives matter as much as ideological preferences.

This is particularly relevant given the sensitivity surrounding religious and ethnic issues in Malaysia. 

Many voters outside PAS’s traditional support base place considerable value on moderation, institutional stability and cross-community cooperation. 

Likewise, political leaders in Sabah and Sarawak have often emphasized their preference for arrangements that respect the distinct political cultures and religious diversity of East Malaysia. 

These perspectives inevitably shape coalition politics at the federal level.

For the Unity Government, the challenge is therefore strategic rather than punitive. 

Stability is better preserved by ensuring that coalition partners continue to see value in the existing governing arrangement. 

That means delivering economic growth, addressing the cost of living, improving governance and maintaining confidence across Malaysia’s diverse electorate.

A coalition survives not because every partner agrees on every issue, but because the costs of leaving exceed the benefits of doing so. 

If governing together produces tangible political and economic returns, speculative alternative alignments become less attractive.

This also requires careful political communication. Rather than framing disagreements in personal terms, leaders can focus on the practical consequences of different political choices. 

Public debate is better served by discussing governance, policy outcomes and electoral realities than by escalating calls for dismissals that may further strain coalition relationships.

Ultimately, coalition politics is about managing incentives rather than administering punishments. 

A government that governs effectively, maintains public confidence and demonstrates electoral viability is more likely to retain the loyalty of its partners than one that relies on disciplinary measures.

The Unity Government should therefore resist the temptation to respond to every political disagreement with demands for sackings. 

Political stability is strengthened when coalition partners remain convinced that cooperation serves their long-term interests.

In that sense, the wiser course is simple: sap the political enthusiasm for alternative arrangements by demonstrating the value of the present one. 

Persuasion, performance and political incentives are likely to prove more durable than dismissal.

In coalition politics, confidence is often a stronger adhesive than coercion. 

If the Unity Government continues to perform, maintain broad-based support and reassure Malaysians across regions and communities, the political calculus of every coalition partner will inevitably be shaped by those realities. 

The most effective response to uncertainty is therefore not to sack, but to make alternative political paths appear less rewarding than continued cooperation.

* Phar Kim Beng is a professor of Asean Studies and a director at the Institute of International and Asean Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.