TO assert that new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is underwhelming would be a severe understatement, his successful machination to the top slot notwithstanding. Despite his long years in politics, it is hard to gauge his legacy. One that comes to mind was the cowgate scandal. He approved that project as agriculture minister way back in 2006. 

Muhyiddin should be inspired by world leaders who despite their initial underrated status would later shine. President Ronald Reagan was one. Like Muhyiddin, Reagan too reached the top at an old age, and was initially dismissed as just a third-rate actor.

There is no shortage of books about Reagan. Muhyiddin however, is not the reading type, and there are no Readers’ Digest edition. Instead I suggest that he ponders some of Reagan’s memorable sayings. 

Like Reagan, Muhyiddin had made a good start in stating his objectives. He wants a government that is “bersih, berintegriti, dan berkaliber” (clean, with integrity, and of caliber). Reagan went further and surrounded himself with smart competent people who shared his worldview, as well as commitment to freedom and free enterprise. 

So too should Muhyiddin. “Bersih” means that those now facing criminal charges should be excluded. That would eliminate a dozen aspirants. Former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has removed himself. That he was even considered should be the big question. 

Innocent until proven guilty is fine in a criminal court, but in appointing individuals to positions of high trust and responsibility, the standard must be much more stringent, as with not even a hint of impropriety. 

As for “berintegriti”, that would eliminate that “semburit” Mohamed Azmin Ali character. Deadbeats lack integrity. Likewise those who squandered public funds, as with buying helicopters but not delivering them. That would disqualify the likes of Hishammuddin Hussein.

“Berkaliber” would eliminate that lady Zuraida Kamaruddin who fudged her academic qualifications, as well as a few others. 

Acknowledging his uncertain health, Muhyiddin should select young blood. Eliminate tired old characters like Mustapa Mohamad. If Muhyiddin were to pick Umno’s has-beens, retreads, and turncoats, then he would merely be returning favours, not creating an A-team.

There is no shortage of local talent. If Muhyiddin wants a Malay-centric cabinet, at least pick smart Malays, like outgoing minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, as well as young MPs like Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Nurul Izzah Anwar. They would be more effective in furthering the Malay agenda by improving national schools over those who forever holler “Ketuanan Melayu”. Entice that shining star Rafizi Ramli. 

If Muhyiddin fears unnecessary “politicking” among his appointees, then have them commit to not running in the next election. That would discourage the career politicians and party hoppers. 

Most of all, Muhyiddin must acknowledge the limits of government. Disabuse Malays on our misguided notion that the answer must always come from there. As Reagan once quipped, the most terrifying words in the English language are:  “I am from the government, and I am here to help!” 

Malays have been getting “help” from their government for decades. Look at the good that does. Special privileges did not improve Malay competitiveness, instead they bred corrupt ersatz entrepreneurs like that billion-ringgit Umno stalwart “Tengku” Adnan. Name a product or service associated with him. 

The government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives, Reagan asserted. A timely reminder should Muhyiddin ponder having the likes of PAS’ Abdul Hadi Awang.

The needless drama of the past two weeks reminded me of yet another Reagan quote. “Politics,” he said, “was the second oldest profession, but I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.” Look at those politicians whoring themselves, utterly without shame or morals. 

It is well over a week and Muhyiddin has yet to select his ministers. If the delay is due to his seeking the most qualified, then by all means take the time. However, if it is due to ongoing backroom horse trading, then beware. Plunderers are rarely satisfied with their loot. There is no honour among thieves. Expect more betrayals. 

Muhyiddin may not turn out to be a Malaysian Reagan. Nonetheless if he were to have “bersih, berintegriti, berkaliber” administration, then Malaysians, more so Malays, would be the beneficiary. And America might just resume repatriating more of the recovered 1MDB loot. – March 8, 2020.

* M. Bakri Musa reads The Malaysian Insight.

* 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.