CSA can bridge political divide post-Melaka polls, Ismail says

Former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged political parties to prioritise cooperation over confrontation in the aftermath of the Melaka state election, signalling that collaborative frameworks could ease tensions in the state's political landscape.

Ismail, speaking on the need for unity among rival political factions, suggested that the Civil Service Agreement could serve as a mechanism to facilitate dialogue and reduce hostilities following the polls. The agreement, which establishes working relationships between political parties on governance matters, could help establish common ground, he indicated.

The call for post-election reconciliation comes as Malaysia's regional politics remain characterised by intense competition between major political coalitions. Ismail's remarks underscore growing recognition among senior political figures that sustained rivalry can hamper effective governance and service delivery at the state level.

His comments reflect broader discussions within Malaysia's political establishment about finding sustainable frameworks for power-sharing and cross-party engagement, particularly in states where no single coalition commands overwhelming majorities. The former premier's intervention suggests that senior statesmen continue to play influential roles in shaping inter-party dynamics beyond formal government positions.