Dr Mahathir’s plan good on paper, tricky in reality

Jahabar Sadiq Jahabar Sadiq Updated 4 years ago · Published on 27 Feb 2020 9:00AM · 8 Comments

Interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his office on Tuesday, a day after his resignation. Dr Mahathir wants to set up a non-partisan government, which is likely to exclude his former Pakatan Harapan allies. – EPA pic, February 27, 2020.

SUCCESSION, accountability and viability. Those are the three issues that bedevil Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s non-partisan government plan that is now gaining ground as a balm to the nation’s political crisis.

While the plan looks good on paper, bringing in apolitical technocrats and bright politicians possibly from all parties for national reconciliation would in a way repeat what Muhyiddin Yassin and Azmin Ali tried to set up on Sunday.

Their plan would have excluded the Anwar Ibrahim faction in PKR, DAP and Amanah – all the main components of the short-lived Pakatan Harapan ruling coalition with Dr Mahathir’s Bersatu that quit the pact on Monday.

Dr Mahathir remains tight-lipped about details of the plan beyond saying it would not bow down to party and partisan interests and would instead serve the country’s needs and aspirations. 

It would also provide political stability sorely needed now in Malaysia.

Those advocating the plan say it is the quickest way to calm down market jitters and risk of sectarian violence if nothing is settled soon – either naming a new prime minister or holding snap elections.

But it would make bedfellows of the warring political rivals. Those in the rump PH have politely rejected the plan by nominating Anwar as their choice for PM, in the belief they have the numbers and distrust for others who might make it to Dr Mahathir’s non-partisan cabinet.

For PH, succession is an issue unless Anwar is the deputy prime minister in the proposed new Mahathir administration. As it stands, Anwar might have to take up the offer if the Agong is not convinced that the PKR president likely commands the confidence of the majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat.

The first test of confidence for any prime minister will be the motion of thanks to the royal address when Parliament reconvenes on March 9. If that motion is defeated, the prime minister has to re signand an election is called.

That possibility brings up the question of viability for any government made up of politicians and technocrats. Would their policies stand up in Parliament and get the required votes to go through? If not, it could lead to snap elections again.

The other issue is that of accountability. The proposed non-partisan government would only be accountable to the prime minister and for national interests but not party interests, Dr Mahathir said yesterday. 

Would all political parties accept that and endorse the government’s policies and actions without prior consultation and endorsement? Probably not from the cool reaction to the plan from most politicians, except Azmin.

Those for the plan also see it as a way to stave off snap elections that most parties are not prepared to face at the moment, except Umno and PAS.

For PH, they are confident of their numbers to form their own government. For others, perhaps Dr Mahathir’s plan is best until they are ready for snap polls. 

One final point about the Mahathir plan. After ruling Malaysia with two different coalitions, can Malaysians trust Dr Mahathir to do this alone with handpicked cabinet members for national interests?

He is 94 years old. He is still sharp and full of ideas. But can they rely on him to carry this through for the country’s best interests? That is something for king and country to consider now. – February 27, 2020.

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Comments

  • Its not a feasible plan. The whole parliamentary system will deteriorate to the possibility of authoritarian rule.

    Posted 4 years ago by G.Selva Ganeson · Reply

  • This plan will probably see UMNO and PAS being enrolled into the cabinet, a scenario dreaded by the people. So, what can Tun do to assure such will not happen. Without any assurance Tun's plan is just fishy!

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Not feasible, it'll be Emperor M with a bunch of eunuchs.

    Posted 4 years ago by A Subscriber · Reply

  • Its an authoritarian govt. similar to Republic system like in Indonesia, elected President takes all. Democracy is dead with the unity govt.by name, actually it's a one man govt. No check and balance , he claims to be only for the interest of the country. What if the word 'country' changed to 'my cronies'? He can act, cry, plead for empathy, put up short movies in the past. All this make me feel shivering down my spine. What he dare not do?

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • I would rather trust Anwar, who may not be a tactician or strategist but at least he is honest, caring for the poor and underprivilege, very patience now, more predictable and trustworthy. All who opposed him in the past are all crooks. All who wanted Anwar dead has disappointed Malaysians in the past, so no risk to give Anwar a chance , long past due appointment.

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • What happens if Mahathir kicks the bucket while in office? Can the non partisan government hold? All the in-fighting will start again. The best thing is for our elderly Mahathir to just retire from government and let the younger leaders decide which direction they want to take the country. Its Time for him to let go.

    Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • Mahathir says something else n do something else in the BACKDOOR.

    Posted 4 years ago by Lucky Boy · Reply

  • How many are OK with the possibility of Azmin and Zuraidah being appointed to the unity cabinet? What if Azmin is named the DPM?

    Posted 4 years ago by J R · Reply