MALAYSIA’S ninth prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob delivered his maiden address to the nation today with his Malaysian family speech showing some similarities to predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin’s “I am a prime minister for all” speech, while striking his own note about policy and direction.

When Muhyiddin delivered his first address upon taking office in March last year, he took time to provide a rather elaborate explanation about his rise to power as the ouster of the Pakatan Harapan government.

“I did not intend to spark a confrontation with anyone. I would like to give a little bit of an explanation about what actually happened so that my sincerity is not questioned.

“I did not dream of becoming prime minister. I came forward to save the country when neither of the leading candidates could get the support of the Dewan Rakyat,” Muhyiddin said on March 2, 2020.

He noted that his appointment was constitutional, despite the fact that it was not through a national vote.

While he also acknowledged the people’s anger about the fall of the elected government, of which he was formerly part, he made it a point to stress that he was in no way a traitor.

While he thanked his predecessor and former boss Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his contribution, he also said that he will use his 40 years’ experience in politics to steer the nation to greater heights and is offering his heart and soul to Malaysia.

However, unlike his predecessor, Ismail kept it short. He extended his gratitude to the king for his appointment, Muhyiddin for his administration and he thanked his political allies for their support.

What had set his speech apart from Muhyiddin was his call to lawmakers ob both sides of the political divide to work together for the country’s recovery.

“I would like to urge all members of the Dewan Rakyat, inside or outside of the government to work together to help our nation recover.”

“Let us open our minds and hearts to forget our differences by working together. We need to find common ground and move towards building a consensus for the security and safety of our Malaysian family.”

He also invited the opposition to be a part of his national recovery council and the special committee for Covid-19.

“I understand the political turmoil that has beseeched the country has also distressed the public. Therefore, it is imperative that political stability is swiftly achieved through togetherness, and this includes cross-party co-operation,” he said.

Yet, both prime ministers opened a tagline that became a topic of conversation: trying to forge a sense of closeness to the people.

Ismail chose the Malaysian family tagline.

“I adapt to the concept of Malaysian family as this phrase is inclusive in nature and cuts across boundaries of religion, race and ethnicity,” he said.

“We do realise the existence of inter-marriage families with various races and religions, and yet possess strong family bonds.

“Thus, the concept of Malaysian family is akin to the strength of a nation bound together by such values,” the Bera MP added.

Muhyiddin, on the other hand, chose to go with: “I am a prime minister for all Malaysians from Perlis to Sabah.”

He said he was the prime minister for Malaysians of all creeds and faith.

However, both made a point to acknowledge the political conflict. Muhyiddin said he understood that the people did not want to be dragged into a huge political conflict while Ismail noted that two changes of government in a short span was detrimental to the people and the country.

“Thus, let us move forward. We must stamp out this grab for political power. Let us as one big family – comprising civil servants, the private sector workers, and those self-employed – repair, heal and recover our nation,” Ismail said.

In terms of the way forward, Muhyiddin said he will prioritise integrity and good governance, and his government would look into bread-and-butter issues along with managing Covid-19.

Ismail, on the other hand, spoke about returning prosperity to the people, stimulating the economy, returning working together and involving youth in the nation’s recovery agenda. – August 22, 2021.