COMMENT | Anwar's survival and the middle ground

COMMENT | Whether it’s 100 days, one year, or two years, the question hanging over the head of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition government would still be: How long can it last?

The most important determinant is the support of the Malay voters. If Anwar and his government can enjoy the support of enough Malays, then it would survive, because the Malay-based opposition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), would not dare topple the government.

On the other hand, if Anwar and his government fail to win the support of the Malays, then PN would work hard to attack the government as anti-Malay, anti-Islam and, if it fits, anti-palace.

This is to cause panic in the Malays within the government – not just Umno, but even some leaders in PKR and Amanah – to demand the government be more pro-Malay and pro-Islam at the expense of minorities and liberals.

If the government succumbs to the pressure, it would alienate its liberal and minority base with no guarantee that it can catch up on Malay support. PN can then win the 16th general election (GE16) easily.

If the government resists such pressure...