The anti-Najib alliance is less than a week old, but just about every major name in the political arena has already commented on its creation. The comments have ranged from supportive to derisive, from ecstatic to scornful. It’s clear that whatever the rebel alliance ends up achieving, its current political impact is heavy indeed.

Although the alliance’s declaration lists several objectives, it does appear to have the singleness of purpose that Zaid Ibrahim had in mind when he proposed his March 27 meeting, and that purpose is to “save Malaysia” by bringing an end to the administration of Prime Minister Najib Razak.

It’s important that this primary purpose be kept in mind at all times because the forces that make up the alliance are disparate and there’s a danger that there will be too many agendas at play. Some want reform, some want power, some want concessions. But for now, at least, there seems to be agreement that the ultimate goal be kept in sight always.

The members of the alliance should never allow themselves to be caught publicly arguing about the goal because that will benefit only those intent on breaking them apart. Let’s make one thing absolutely clear: putting the horse before the cart will benefit no one. As long as the Najib administration remains, there can be no change, no reform – at least not the kind the signatories to the alliance want.

In fact, the reform agenda is one for voters to decide. The various parties contending in the next general election will each have to articulate its idea of reform on the campaign trail. This is an alliance of various forces, not a coalition of political parties seeking election. Things would be different if this was a fledgling political coalition. It would then have to present the national policies it proposes to draw up if it comes to power, so that voters can decide whether its agenda serves the Malaysian people better than Barisan Nasional’s agenda.

There are certainly many who are hoping the alliance consolidates into a bona fide political coalition, but unless the fight drags on till late 2017 and the GE countdown begins, it is unlikely to do so.

The alliance must keep its eyes on the prize, and not get mired into mudslinging over whether or not there need to be more or less agendas to work for. In fact, with four main agendas and about 30 minor ones, it is already burdened and it would be sheer stupidity to tack on more agendas and conditions onto a newly formed alliance that is still testing the strength of its own boundaries.

Yes, we need to be prepared for the day after tomorrow. But unless the unthinkable happens, that day is a long time coming yet. Keep it simple, and keep the focus on the goal.

We look forward to hearing the results that come out of the meetings the alliance will be having.