WE have to accept the reality that we have a backdoor government. Whatever has been done, we have a new prime minister.

In these days of fasting and reflection, one hopes that Muhyiddin Yassin will reflect on what would be his signature contribution, or if he would like to be remembered as a PM who served only his personal ambitions and self-interest.

For decades, we’ve had narcissistic leaders in Malaysia. Dr Mahathir Mohamad was one such leader, and this can be factually distilled if one simply studies the scandals that plagued his time in power. The facts speak for themselves. However, Malaysians, being a forgiving lot, gave him another chance, and he again failed us badly, placing us today in an unenviable position at a critical time in the nation’s life.

If one is to do an analysis on the wealth secured by leaders in Barisan Nasional parties, there won’t be anything surprising found. Money politics and the belief that politics is the route to money and wealth will be clear. In fact, it was this that led to Malaysia becoming a kleptocracy.

Arrogance and the belief that BN would hold on to power, thus shielding its leaders, was what gave them the confidence to do what they did, cheating the nation. It was not race, but the lack of character and competency of those in power, with many condoning the same staying silent. Felda, Tabung Haji and numerous other scandals highlight the incompetence of those in the leadership.

There were many within the government who witnessed what was happening, but they lacked the moral spine and guts, or they felt that stepping aside would mean a great loss of patronage – something that comes with choosing to stay blind to what’s happening around them.

And yet, Muhyiddin stepped out and took a stand. One respected him for his courage. He then joined the opposition, and became part of the Pakatan Harapan government.

The nation made a choice against kleptocracy, and for reform. Sadly, the champion of Reformasi was in jail, and it would be some time before he could get his place in Parliament. Meanwhile, there were party leaders within PKR competing for positions, and this eventually led to treacherous acts by some. When loyalty to a person replaces commitment to change and reform, challenges arise. Many a so-called “good leader” has failed in this respect.

Today, it is worth asking the key question of what does Perikatan Nasional stand for. If Muhyiddin’s goal was only to become PM, this shows a lack of commitment to ideals. The people elect a government on the basis of its promises and undertakings, as spelled out in its manifesto. This backdoor government does not have a goal nor has it outlined its objectives. It’s all jostling for position and power.

This is a great insult to Malaysians. Those in power today represent a motley crew of discredited, selfish politicians interested only in power, money and patronage. Race is their cover, and greed their objective. What they do will be at the expense of all Malaysians. Is politics so devoid of principles and ethics? Well, where are the role models?

If Dr Mahathir is one, how can we trust a man who did not deliver on his promise to hand over the reins to Anwar Ibrahim? His narcissistic attitude was the primary cause of his disrespect for Malaysians who wanted change. Is Muhyiddin of the same mould?

However, Muhyiddin has a chance to change things, but this requires moral courage. He should make clear his position on Umno and PAS, and not be bullied by them for positions. Should they walk out, he should offer PH another chance, and give PKR, Amanah and DAP an opportunity to honour their promises, and for him to regain his credibility. This way, he could reunite Bersatu with its founder, and those unwilling could leave, especially the turncoats.

Muhyiddin has an opportunity to establish ethical standards vis a vis politics and regain the trust and confidence of the people. The days of race are long past, and ethnic politics will not serve anyone. It will be at a great cost to the nation, and the Covid-19 pandemic hold great lessons for all of us.

This nation needs the talents of all Malaysians if we are to progress and tackle the challenges to come. This is no longer a Malay issue, and it requires visionary leaders to take the country forward. Is Muhyiddin of this mould is the great question.

We need leaders who have character, competency and clarity, and who are ready to stand up and be counted. We need to move beyond populist agendas and do what is right by all Malaysians. This is what’s lacking, and if one were to evaluate the steps taken by the PN government to date, it seems to be all about consolidating position, power and patronage.

When parties do not have a larger goal, they will champion their self-interests. This has been revealed by Umno, PAS and others in the coalition. It is not about the voters at large. It is about self-interest, and if this continues, all that was done by PH will go to naught. Muhyiddin will just be another PM, Malaysia’s eighth.

Does he have the leadership abilities to formulate an agenda of his own and take the necessary political risks based on that agenda? This will need formulation and a strategy that appeals to all Malaysians. Without a transcendent view, it is difficult to rule any nation in today’s globalised environment. He has this season of reflection and prayer to seriously ask himself what’s going to be his long-term contribution. You cannot wish away the longings of 30% of the population

Is it going back to the ways of corruption, money politics and patronage, with the twin characteristics of nepotism and cronyism, all of which are un-Islamic, or is it going to be a political culture based on values, ethics and justice that is fair to Malaysians and halal in spirit – a culture that is forward-looking and inspiring? Does Muhyiddin have the moral and ethical courage to give such leadership?

May he be guided and inspired in these days to make the right decisions. – May 1, 2020.

* K. Haridas 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.