“Give us the man of integrity, on whom we know we can thoroughly depend; who will stand firm when others fail; the friend, faithful and true; the adviser, honest and fearless; the adversary, just and chivalrous; such as one is a fragment of the Rock of Ages”- A.P. Stanley

THE grassroots of Bersatu are elated at the announcement that Mukhriz Mahathir would be deputy prime minister if the opposition pact forms the government. Many Bumiputeras are relieved the people now have a choice of a leader who has, since his entry into active politics in 2003, fought an uphill struggle to be the voice of the grassroots, be it in Umno or Bersatu. Mukhriz’s record speaks for itself. He has put his neck on the chopping board numerous times throughout three successive prime ministers. He has been sacked from Umno, removed as Kedah Menteri Besar twice and now faces more of the same in Bersatu.

When the powers that be abused their authority, to the detriment of the hopes of ordinary Malaysians, Mukhriz stood by the people despite being offered posts or being threatened.

When wrongdoing happens at the top and the people feel powerless, it was Mukhriz, then and now that stands with us. We now have the chance for a stable coalition government with Mukhriz underpinning our hopes for the future. The full brunt of the economic devastation brought upon by Covid-19 is upon us. It will take a leader forged out of integrity and courage to lead Malaysia into the next decade. It will take a different set of leaders to lead a new generation of voters in a world that requires novel ways of governing and living.  – June 29, 2020.

* Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob 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.