Secret meetings, who’s with whom, purported letters of support and a game of numbers; politics in Malaysia has become riddled with confusion and uncertainty.
The unprecedented race for the coveted chair of the prime minister continues despite Covid-19 cases surpassing 20,000.
Politics in the country is now so fluid it has become a never-ending guessing game as to what is happening.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research and International Studies director Assoc Prof Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk says the situation is a reflection of “too much democracy”.
While stability is key to the implementation of crucial government policies, this has become impossible due to how “messy democracy has become in Malaysia”.
“If you look at technocratic states like China and Singapore, things can run efficiently compared to a democratic state in India, where the economy is just not moving,” said Azeem.
Once stable, the Malaysian political scene became wobbly following the fall of Barisan Nasional in 2018 and the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in February this year.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin did not have a big majority when he was named prime minister nor is he enjoying much of a majority now.
“Muhyiddin may have two or three MPs more than the opposition but the five MPs from Dr Mahathir’s camp who claim to be independent have created so many problems,” said Azeem.
“Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he has majority but has not proven his claim and then you have Tengku Razaleigh (Hamzah) calling for a motion of no support against the prime minister, raising questions whether Muhyiddin still commands majority support.
“Umno is threatening to pull out of the Perikatan Nasional government while making a list of demands and you don’t really know who DAP is supporting, although it is unlikely they are with Umno given their political history,” said Azeem.
While the tabling of Budget 2021 next month will be the acid test on whether Muhyiddin still has majority support, Azeem feels a ceasefire among politicians would be a better option as the country is still battling Covid-19.
“Right now, they (politicians) need to put the country’s interest first and put partisan interest behind.
“If the budget is tabled and not passed, this would mean the bureaucrats will not be paid. The people will be left in the lurch as agencies need budgets to be approved to get things moving,” said Azeem.
“What we are experiencing (the rise in Covid-19 cases) is correlated with the Sabah state election. But we are in a dilemma now and the democratic process is not the right choice right now.
What then should be done to deal with this problem?
Azeem said Parliament can be suspended for a while but when things are under control, fresh elections must be called.
“The politicians must think of the repercussions of their actions. We need certainty more than anything else right now,” he said.
Will Malaysian politicians take the moral high ground by setting aside their personal interest or will the political battle in the land where everyone wants to be prime minister continue?
Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today.
SELANGOR SULTAN VOICES CONCERN OVER POLITICAL SCENE
Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expressed his concern over the political situation in Malaysia, saying people are “bored” and “disgusted” with politicians who are often fighting for power.
WORK FROM HOME ORDER BEGINNING THURSDAY FOR THOSE IN CMCO AREAS
Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said those in the managerial and supervisory positions from the public and private sectors in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Labuan and Sabah will be required to work from home beginning Thursday.
This will include 800,000 workers and 200,000 civil servants working in those areas which are still under the Conditional Movement Control Order.
He, however, said those involved in finance and making payments will be allowed to go to office.
He said the International Trade and Industry Ministry will provide a full list of industries that will be affected.
Ismail said those living in red zone areas and are required to report to work will have to undergo a swab test.
SUBANG JAYA DECLARED A CITY
The Subang Jaya Municipal Council is now known as the Subang Jaya City Council.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the matter has received consent from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
KOTA KINABALU NEEDS HELP IN COVID-19 BATTLE
The third Covid-19 wave and Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) have brought Kota Kinabalu to its knees with local businesses, economies, health resources and people severely affected.
Looking at the realities on the ground, many businesses are either shuttered or have seen a significant drop in customers. This is especially so in the central business districts previously populated by office workers and tourists.
