WHAT a ridiculous, unbelievable turn of events. Even in politics, where it is said there are no permanent friends, enemies or even principles, at the very least, there should be logic.

The drama that unfolded over the last few days was nothing short of a disaster. There were two acts of betrayal – 11 MPs quit PKR, on whose ticket they won the 2018 general election, and Bersatu left Pakatan Harapan, leading to the ruling coalition’s collapse and four state governments on shaky ground. 

The 11 former PKR lawmakers played it cool, even daring to issue a hard-to-believe, more-like-an-afterthought statement that their plan had been to “thwart” an attempt to unseat Dr Mahathir Mohamad. It would have been believable had the PH presidential council not endorsed Dr Mahathir to lead both the pact and country until a time he saw fit to hand over the reins.

The hints dropped immediately after should have been closely examined – Dr Mahathir leaving a Bersatu meeting and not attending a “grand dinner” at Sheraton Hotel, and not being present at Istana Negara the next morning to represent his party.

Finally, word got out that he did not want this move or anything to do with it. And yet, both groups still decided to do it on his behalf, for reasons best known to them.

To further show his displeasure and presumably to distance himself from the move, Dr Mahathir on Monday resigned as prime minister and Bersatu chairman, throwing the PH government into limbo.

Those behind the two acts of betrayal should have no part in any administration. They have caused a democratically elected and functional government to cave in for no other reason than to fulfil their selfish political ambitions.

The ridiculous manoeuvre, now dubbed “the Sheraton move”, caused much trouble for the nation. RM43 billion in market capitalisation was wiped out in Bursa Malaysia, sparking investor jitters and panic in the market. Ironically, this was triggered by the actions of the former economic affairs minister. And, the free fall came amid a soft economy, made worse by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Given this, personality politics are the last thing we need right now.

What’s done is done, and Dr Mahathir needs parties’ solid support and to quickly form a new government. In doing so, the mandate of the people must be respected. Despite the rush, stability is important, as is having a cabinet that reflects the diverse religious and political ideals held by the team that commands the majority in Parliament. Now is not the time for petty politics and racial rhetoric.

Malaysia is in a political crisis. If long-time prime minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim can shelve his own politics and the attacks launched at him, and put the nation’s needs first, there would be no need for parties with far fewer seats, or dreams of becoming the kingmaker, or sneaky agendas, to try and further their schemes through this move.

If truly every party wants Dr Mahathir to continue leading, they should remember that he never did so alone, but with a coalition behind him. That team comprises people they might not like, but should accept as part of the government because after winning the elections – and especially this episode – they have more than earned the right to be there.

Stop with the childish antics. For once, put the country first. – February 26, 2020.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.