‘Abah’ Muhyiddin can’t be PN poster boy again, say analysts

 

In November, Perikatan Nasional’s rivals ridiculed the widespread use of Muhyiddin Yassin’s image during the Melaka state elections. (Twitter pic)

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional has to look beyond its chairman Muhyiddin Yassin as its “poster boy” for the coming Johor state elections if the coalition hopes to launch a substantial challenge, analysts say.

Awang Azman Pawi.

Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya and Azmi Hassan, senior fellow at Akademi Nusantara, said PN risked a repeat of its humiliating defeat at the Melaka elections if it employed the same strategy in Johor.

At the Melaka elections in November, PN’s opponents had pointed out that Muhyiddin’s image was being plastered all over the state rather than images of PN candidates.

However, the PN Melaka election coordinator, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, said the coalition took pride in Muhyiddin’s achievements, as prime minister and Bersatu president.

Azmi Hassan.

But Azmi said the woeful PN performance in Melaka, where it won only two seats, was evidence that Muhyiddin could not be the coalition’s drawing card, even in Johor where he was once menteri besar.

He told FMT that Muhyiddin’s decision to opt out of defending his state assembly seat of Gambir also told of his own lack of confidence despite him being “synonymous to Johor”.

“They have no choice, because Muhyiddin won Gambir in 2018 essentially because of Pakatan Harapan supporters. And at least 30% of voters there are Chinese, so Muhyiddin knows he won’t get their votes,” Azmi said.

“If you don’t defend your seat and you’re the PN chairman and Bersatu president, it’s not much of a strategic move. It’s more that Bersatu’s hands are tied. They’re basically putting out the white flag even though the Election Commission has yet to announce a date for the elections.

“To make things worse, PAS, which is in PN, seems to already be trying to work with Umno. So this isn’t good for Bersatu,” Azmi said.

Awang Azman said it was imperative for Bersatu to change its strategy for Johor if it wanted to launch a challenge. PN should put forward a lineup of young and capable leaders to lead the state.

The coalition must also announce a menteri besar candidate early on, rather than leaving it late as in Melaka.

He added that it was wise of Muhyiddin to not defend his Gambir seat as he would avoid a humiliating defeat, being a former prime minister, ex-Johor menteri besar and the Bersatu president.- FMT