Time for Malaysians to unite and move forward as a nation, say analysts after PM’s resignation

 

PETALING JAYA: The resignation of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has left many wondering who's going to lead the country in the midst of a raging pandemic, but analysts have urged for calm, saying that no matter what happens next, Malaysians must unite and move forward as a nation.

Universiti Malaya Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said political skirmishes aren't unique in Malaysia as many countries have their fair share of internal crises.

Muhyiddin resigned after the Opposition rejected his plea for bipartisan support via a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA).

Prof Awang Azman said the next person to take over as premier - with a raging pandemic and the resulting recession - will have his work cut out for him.

At the same time, Prof Awang Azman said the change in governance is part of democracy.

"Therefore, Malaysia must unite under the new government and learn from the mistakes of Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional, and be more inclusive in administration and national development," he added.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, expressed an optimistic view, as Muhyiddin had decided to resign in accordance with the Federal Constitution after he lost his Parliamentary majority after several Umno MPs pulled out.

"The road is less bumpy compared to if he was trying to stay in power.

"There isn't much uncertainty; the question is which leader is likely to be the next PM," said Oh.

Oh said in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, the next prime minister must be competent.

"This new leader must also be able to inspire confidence within his competence, and then only Malaysia will be able to move forward," he added.

On Monday (Aug 16), Muhyiddin announced his decision to resign as prime minister, saying it was in accordance with the Federal Constitution, as he no longer commanded majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

The Perikatan government was led by Muhyiddin since March last year.

Among those speculated to succeed Muhyiddin as prime minister are Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

It is understood that the situation remains fluid at present amidst the several high-level party meetings that are taking place. - Star