KOTA KINABALU, Feb. 27 -- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ambitious call for a non-partisan government was commendable for its progressive vision, according to political observers who went on to doubt local politicians' ability to set aside their differences.

Some said the idea of a government free of political lines and in which any lawmaker from any party could be appointed as minister was too idealistic.

Others also said Malaysia was in no position for such a political experiment when it was already contending with slowing economic growth and a still-unresolved coronavirus disease (Covid-19) episode.

Universiti Teknologi Mara Sabah's Tony Paridi Bagang was cautiously optimistic about the concept as a way out of the political uncertainty....