The Malaysian Insight

SUCCESSION, accountability and viability. Those are the three issues that bedevil Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s non-partisan government plan that is now gaining ground as a balm to the nation’s political crisis.

While the plan looks good on paper, bringing in apolitical technocrats and bright politicians possibly from all parties for national reconciliation would in a way repeat what Muhyiddin Yassin and Azmin Ali tried to set up on Sunday.

Their plan would have excluded the Anwar Ibrahim faction in PKR, DAP and Amanah – all the main components of the short-lived Pakatan Harapan ruling coalition with Dr Mahathir’s Bersatu that quit the pact on Monday.

Dr Mahathir remains tight-lipped about details of the plan beyond saying it would not bow down to party and partisan interests and would instead serve the country’s needs and aspirations. 

It would also provide political stability sorely needed now in Malaysia.

Those advocating the plan say it is the quickest way to calm down market jitters and risk of sectarian violence if nothing is settled soon – either naming a new prime minister or holding snap elections.

But it would make bedfellows of the warring political rivals. Those in the rump PH have politely rejected the plan by nominating Anwar as their choice for PM, in the belief they have the numbers and distrust for others who might make it to Dr Mahathir’s non-partisan cabinet.

For PH, succession is an issue unless Anwar is the deputy prime minister in the proposed new Mahathir administration. As it stands, Anwar might have to take up the offer if the Agong is not convinced that the PKR president likely commands the confidence of the majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat.

The first test of confidence for any prime minister will be the motion of thanks to the royal address when Parliament reconvenes on March 9. If that motion is defeated, the prime minister has to re signand an election is called.

That possibility brings up the question of viability for any government made up of politicians and technocrats. Would their policies stand up in Parliament and get the required votes to go through? If not, it could lead to snap elections again.

The other issue is that of accountability. The proposed non-partisan government would only be accountable to the prime minister and for national interests but not party interests, Dr Mahathir said yesterday. 

Would all political parties accept that and endorse the government’s policies and actions without prior consultation and endorsement? Probably not from the cool reaction to the plan from most politicians, except Azmin.

Those for the plan also see it as a way to stave off snap elections that most parties are not prepared to face at the moment, except Umno and PAS.

For PH, they are confident of their numbers to form their own government. For others, perhaps Dr Mahathir’s plan is best until they are ready for snap polls. 

One final point about the Mahathir plan. After ruling Malaysia with two different coalitions, can Malaysians trust Dr Mahathir to do this alone with handpicked cabinet members for national interests?

He is 94 years old. He is still sharp and full of ideas. But can they rely on him to carry this through for the country’s best interests? That is something for king and country to consider now. – February 27, 2020.