KUALA LUMPUR: As interim prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad shed some light on his next move by proposing a non-partisan federal administration, which will be another first in the country’s history and break the impasse caused by rival camps.
Analysts said despite the shocking announcement, it came as rather comforting for some quarters after days of turmoil following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government, which subsequently saw manoeuvres by political parties to secure the simple majority of 112 parliamentary seats needed to form a new government.
Dr Ainul Adzelli Hasnul from Universiti Sains Malaysia said Dr Mahathir’s proposal could work, with him at the helm.
“Or else, there would still be an opposition in Parliament. The most important thing is the stability of the country.
“Tun (Dr Mahathir) is a statesman. He wants to leave a legacy where the country moves forward and no internal bickering should hinder the progress of our country.
“The king will be wise in his decision, and he would play an important role in coming up with the best possible solution (to address the turmoil), in accordance with the Federal Constitution”
Although the exact numbers remain unclear, Dr Mahathir indeed has the support of some members of parliament and parties who had expressed their wish for Dr Mahathir to continue serving as the prime minister.
With over two decades of experience as the prime minister, the 94-year-old still commands respect and has the capability to pull parties or their factions together.
Dr Ainul said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah may or may not consult Dr Mahathir as the interim prime minister in the appointment of the next prime minister.
“Dr Mahathir (during the live telecast) was apologetic about the whole incident these past few days. He wanted things to get better for the sake of the nation. He is fed up with all the brouhaha in the political landscape.
“He said power and position are a means to an end and stressed upon the objective of all to ensure the betterment for the country.
“Even if a Pakatan Harapan-led led government is formed, there is no guarantee that this turmoil will not recur, as some members of parliament are bound to cross over and we would have to start all over again.”
Dr Ainul said the latest development had been disturbing and people wished to carry on with their lives.
“If the number of seats in PH is anything to go by, it does not even have the simple majority, with the coalition holding 92 seats, after ex-PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali formed an independent bloc of 11 MPs.
“On the other hand, Barisan Nasional and Pas alone do not have a simple majority (with combined parliamentary seats of 60).
“But when we factor in support from Sabah and Sarawak, Barisan Nasional’s camp might have an edge over PH. We have to take into consideration the states’ stance in wanting a stable government.
“In this matter, BN has a long track record of working with (the state administrations) and know the aspirations of the people there,” he said.
It would not be impossible, although difficult for BN following the latest announcement by Dr Mahathir, as some Sabah and Sarawak leaders have already expressed their support for him.
“This was reflected in Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg, who voiced support for interim prime minister Dr Mahathir, instead of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (as a prime minister candidate),” said Dr Ainul.
This was attested by GPS’ readiness to side with a new federal government coalition led by Dr Mahathir.
Political and law analyst Professor Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Sidek said the king had been just in getting feedback from the lawmakers.
“The king’s meeting with all the members of parliament in itself is historic in Malaysia. He is smart and young; he interviewed them before deciding on the person whom he sees fit to lead the government.
“If His Majesty is satisfied that the leader commands the confidence of the majority of MPs, that would be the person whom he would consent to be the prime minister, regardless of the current situation.”
Halim said the king might opt for the second option, which was to dissolve Parliament under Article 55 of the Federal Constitution if no single group gets the simple majority of 112.
With all parties laying their cards on the table, Malaysians are waiting in anticipation for the decision by the king, which will determine the direction of the nation.