SURRENDERING Kedah and Johor is part of the concessions that Muhyiddin Yassin has had to make to stay on as prime minister with Umno’s support, said political analysts.

They said this was evident when Bersatu gave up the Johor menteri besar’s post to the Barisan Nasional lynchpin.

Universiti Malaya’s Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi told The Malaysian Insight that although Bersatu is expected to lose Kedah to PAS, Muhyiddin has gained by decreasing Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his son Mukhriz Mahathir’s power base and influence in the state.

“More so, when Mukhriz is now challenging Muhyiddin for the president’s post in Bersatu. Dr Mahathir has also filed a no-confidence motion against the prime minister.”

He said the situation in Kedah was made possible by using two Mohamed Azmin Ali backers in the state.

The state government under Mukhriz has collapsed with the defection of assemblymen Azman Nasrudin (Lunas) and Dr Robert Ling Kui Ee (Sidam) from PKR to Perikatan Nasional yesterday.

There are 36 state seats in Kedah, with PKR holding five, Bersatu (6), Amanah (4) and DAP (2). PAS and Umno have 15 and two seats, respectively. The defections give PN the majority to form the next state government.

Although Bersatu has lost Johor and Kedah, said Awang Azman, Muhyiddin has been able to secure support from Umno and PAS.

As such, his party has lost ground to Umno in Johor, but this allows him to remain prime minister.

“Similarly, Bersatu will be weakened after the fall of Kedah to PAS,” said Awang Azman.

“If this continues, Bersatu will have a very short lifespan. It is sacrificing long-term goals for short-term political gains.”

For the next few years, Bersatu will have to dance to Umno’s tune to stay alive, he said.

Ilham Centre executive director Mohd Azlan Zainal said Muhyiddin appears to be strengthening his hold on Bersatu by weakening Dr Mahathir and Mukhriz.

“As Bersatu heads for its polls, it is possible that the two will be sacked.

“If (Muhyiddin) can do it, he will strengthen his grip on the Bersatu supreme council with the added support from the Azmin faction.

“If Mukhriz is weakened, it’s good for Muhyiddin.”

He said Dr Mahathir and Mukhriz will find it difficult to come back against Muhyiddin if they are ousted.

It comes as no surprise that the prime minister has had to give up Johor and Kedah, he added.

“This was quite evident when he agreed to appoint all government MPs as heads of government-linked companies and agencies.

“It is crucial for him to maintain his support while balancing pressure from Umno.”

Since the political turmoil began in February, Bersatu has lost Johor to BN and Malacca to PN. It is expected to see PAS taking Kedah this week.

The only state left in the party’s hands since it partnered with BN and PAS is Perak, with state Bersatu chief Ahmad Faizal Azumu still menteri besar. – May 13, 2020.