In a significant announcement, Bersatu Malaysia president Muhyiddin Yassin has voiced concerns regarding an implicit tradition that designates a Malay Prime Minister. Muhyiddin contends that this tradition, backed by historical precedence, is facing challenges due to recent transformations in the nation’s political landscape. The shift from a single-party rule, marked by Barisan Nasional’s defeat in the 14th general election, and the subsequent hung parliament, has disrupted the conventional power-sharing formula, according to Muhyiddin.
Breaking the Malay Prime Minister Tradition
Muhyiddin emphasized that the political scene’s metamorphosis is further compounded by constitutional amendments aimed at curbing political defections. He argues that these changes could potentially bind elected lawmakers to support a non-Malay candidate for the prime ministerial role, thereby upending a long-standing norm. In his statement, Muhyiddin suggests that lawmakers would be compelled to comply with their party’s decisions, even if it involves supporting a non-Malay leader, or risk severe consequences.
Party Loyalty and Potential Consequences
According to Muhyiddin, the constitutional amendments raise the stakes for elected representatives, asserting that failure to adhere to party directives could result in the loss of membership, the need to vacate parliamentary seats, and substantial financial penalties. The former PM’s statement, however, leaves questions unanswered regarding the allegiance of five Bersatu lawmakers who openly supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government but retained their party membership and parliamentary seats.
Calls for Constitutional Amendments
This development follows Bersatu information chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s recent call for constitutional amendments to restrict non-Malays from assuming the prime ministerial role. Currently, the sole requirement for a federal lawmaker to become the prime minister is to convince the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of their majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.
Muhyiddin’s Allegations Against Umno
Muhyiddin reiterated his party’s claim that Umno has become subservient to DAP in the national unity government, alleging that Umno would be powerless to refuse decisions made by the latter party. These assertions contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the intricate interplay between political dynamics, constitutional requirements, and party loyalty in Malaysia’s evolving political landscape.
In conclusion, Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s concerns shed light on the potential upheaval of a longstanding tradition in the selection process for Malaysia’s prime minister. The intersection of constitutional amendments, party loyalty, and shifting political landscapes creates a complex tapestry, raising questions about the future of leadership traditions in the nation.