Relations among Cabinet members remain harmonious, constructive and professional despite verbal exchanges between some political party operatives, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali.
Armizan said this reflected the political maturity and sense of responsibility shared by Cabinet ministers, based on his observation as an “external observer” who was not directly involved in the new dynamics between key parties in the government.
Although he did not name the parties involved, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah secretary-general was likely referring to Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
Armizan said he was impressed by and grateful for the political maturity displayed by his Cabinet colleagues from various political parties.
Cabinet relations remain stable
“I am impressed that despite party operatives outside trading barbs over the past few months, the relations and interactions among their top leaders during every Cabinet meeting have remained harmonious, constructive and professional,” he said.
He said such maturity was built on a commitment to maintaining a unity consensus, which was essential to ensuring that the country had a stable government capable of driving national development and safeguarding the people’s wellbeing.
“This responsibility of ensuring stability in the government so that it can fulfil its mandate stems from the agreement on the unity government’s formation, which was signed on Dec 16, 2022,” he said in a Facebook post.
PH-BN ties face tensions
Relations between PH and BN deteriorated following the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, particularly after BN worked with Perikatan Nasional in the Negeri Sembilan polls.
Armizan, who is also the Papar MP, said the situation reflected the changes in Malaysia’s political landscape following the end of one-party dominance.
He said the new political reality required all sides to recognise the need for cooperation and compromise.
Stability remains a shared responsibility
Armizan also said the frequent changes in prime ministers between 2018 and 2022 within a single parliamentary term did not provide a good formula for building sustainable national prosperity.
He said the experience demonstrated the importance of balancing political party interests with the greater responsibility of maintaining national stability.
