Umno acting president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today said that Barisan Nasional (BN) will push for the establishment of a two-party system to promote a more mature and advanced form of politics in the country. Pic by NSTP/SAIFULLIZAN TAMADI

SEREMBAN: Umno acting president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today said that Barisan Nasional (BN) will push for the establishment of a two-party system to promote a more mature and advanced form of politics in the country.

The Rantau by-election candidate, who is representing BN, said the two-party system is a tried-and-tested one and has benefitted many developed countries.

“This will give many benefits to the people because they will only have a choice between two parties.

“If the ruling party is no longer able to govern or is performing poorly, the people can choose the other party,” he said during a press conference at BN’s command centre here, today.

The former Negri Sembilan menteri besar, who is fondly known as ‘Tok Mat, said history has shown that ruling parties under the two-party system are not able to govern for more than three terms.

“We have to be ready for change so that Malaysia can move towards becoming a developed nation.

“We have to move on to a more developed and advanced system. This will be something that is good for the political parties and the people,” he said.

Mohamad added that the system would pave the way for the establishment of a strong opposition bloc that could provide checks and balances against the government.

He said, for example, that the opposition does not agree with the federal government’s proposal to raise water tariffs nationwide, saying that such a move would only burden the people.

“The opposition will review the government’s performance as well as their public policies. The opposition will also propose policies that are beneficial to the people.”

Mohamad, however, said that the setting up of a two-party system in Malaysia would not entail the disbandment of most political parties.

“It’s not going to be Party A and Party B per se. It’s going to be two blocs – BN and their allies and Pakatan Harapan and their allies.”

He said Malaysian politics, in its current form, promotes an unhealthy culture whereby political parties hurl non-constructive criticisms at each other.

“That’s why the two-party system is important. The two blocs should provide a blueprint for the people, and if you fail to implement the blueprint, the people can throw you out.

“If we continue with the character assassinations, allegations and accusations, we won’t go anywhere.

“Let’s create a feel-good environment by practising mature politics here in Rantau – and may the best man win,” he added.