Is deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin more influential in the cabinet than the prime minister?
The question followed Najib Razak’s u-turn on his stand towards the controversial amendment to the Evidence Act 1950
Yesterday, Najib praised the amendment to Section 114A of the act as “modern and forward-looking” to encourage internet users to be responsible while preventing slanders and harassment by anonymous netizens.
“It was with these in mind that we amended the Act," Najib added, while saying the law “had not been explained enough”.
His remarks contrasted his statement on August 14, the day when local netizens took part in an "Internet Blackout" to protest the act, in which he said he was instructing the cabinet to review the controversial amendment. Najib's concern was shared by other BN leaders, namely UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, deputy Higher Education minister Saifuddin Abdullah and deputy Youth and Sports minister Gan Ping Sieu.
But the three were reportedly reprimanded by Muhyiddin for airing their stance.
According to news portal Malaysiakini, Muhyiddin’s call to reprimand the trio was revoked by Najib during a cabinet meeting on August 29.
fuddin and Gan later admitted that they had been summoned to explain their stance, while minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz confirmed that this was part of Muhyiddin’s instruction.
Najib's latest about-turn however, not only confirms speculation of a rift between him and his deputy, but also the growing influence the former Johor Menteri Besar has.
“With Najib now supporting Section 114A, it shows Muhyiddin has managed to increase his influence in the cabinet. Najib is in a hot seat,” said a source close to the BN administration.
-Harakahdaily
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