THE deadline has passed and the nominations for the next prime minister have been submitted. Why do we need the Your Highness to discuss the new prime minister candidate? This may be a new norm.

Politicians have not only wasted the rakyat’s time by their constant bickering and also “disturbed” the rulers.

The candidates are now public knowledge; this was supposed to be confidential.

I trust that the decisions were based on merit and nothing else. If there were other considerations, we may face the same vulnerable situation again.

One party had left the responsibility of choosing the new prime ministerial candidate to its members of Parliament. But the grassroots were divided over one saying, “Chasing after the magic number is useless if we lose the party’s dignity”.

The other party, which is part of the plot to displace the ex-prime minister, is shy of a few seats and not really extending its hand for additional support.

One of its leaders said: “Perhaps it’s time to start a new painting. Already got a title in mind: ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being Stupid’.”

What matters is, the selected candidate must serve the rakyat and not the component parties that gave the support. More importantly, not to betray the trust of the rulers in arriving at the decision.

As I see it, the nominations were based on political expediency and may not bring the “new political landscape” that Your Highness longed for – we are seeing the same characters. Hopefully, it is not one just to fill in a power void. However, I am hopeful they will adhere to your advice.

Be that as it may, the new prime minister will bear the burden of a limping state and cannot afford to make mistakes. This will be a recipe for disaster for the coalition he is leading in the next general election.

The economic and social indicators are not in the best of health. A failed state will be a reality then.

It is necessary sometimes to take one step backwards to take two steps forward.

The picture or painting does not stop there.

We need to consider the effect of this appointment across our borders. Will world leaders send congratulatory messages to the new prime minister?

Will investors (short and long-term) come back and will rating agencies improve our ratings?

It all depends on the competency and wisdom of the new prime minister.

Your Highnesses, with respect, we the rakyat sincerely hope the one being selected has not got any “baggage” and possess the competency and wisdom to lead our beloved country and not his own coalition only. – August 19, 2021.

* Saleh Mohammed 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.