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Will Anwar's fight to become PM prevail?

Feb 21, 2020

Image: Free Malaysia Today

Some analysts predict that several major issues, including a major Cabinet reshuffle, will be announced at the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting.

However, political analyst Oh Ei Sun told us, while such a move is necessary, it's not going to happen today. 

Image: Borneo Today

"A Cabinet reshuffle is imminent and I think it could happen anytime, typically on a Friday. You don't announce a cabinet reshuffle after one of your essential coalition meetings. You would announce in due time." 

He also rubbished speculation that a Bersatu leader could be appointed second deputy prime minister.

"...because that would not be in the spirit of the ruling coalition. I think, after the supreme council meeting, you would essentially see the same old bland statement committing to the transition arrangement but possibly again with Dr Mahathir's famous parliamentary retort. (that such a decision is subject to parliamentary democracy)"

Power Transition

Image: Anwar Ibrahim/Twitter

The hot topic of a power transition has been gaining momentum since the Pakatan Harapan government took over in GE14.

In fact, the Selangor PKR Youth has urged the PH Presidential Council to set a date for this transition by today!

Ei Sun told us that on one hand this seems desirable...

"The country will have a new leader. The country will have a younger generation leader, although Anwar is not so young anymore. (He) would bring in a fresh ideas, a fresh style of leadership, which hopefully could propel the country forward even more." 

On the other hand Ei Sun shared that Tun M is the linchpin that is holding PH together...

"If Tun M is gone, I think PH may not hold together as well, and number two, I think you will see an increase in attacks from the oppostion, because PH would then lack a leader with the same level of credentials as Dr.M." 

But Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is in no hurry to press the issue at today's meeting.

"After my discussions with him (Tun M), this (power transition) is going to be after APEC. I don't think anyone should be put under pressure, neither me nor Tun M. And again I reiterate the point that we should be given latitude because both of us and the PH council have decided that the change should be smooth, orderly, peaceful and we still continue to work as a team."

Tun M to remain in Cabinet?

Anwar said he is open to the idea of including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his cabinet, should he become the next Prime Minister.

"I will leave it to the council and it will be great for the country, because of his vast experience, and would certainly help in terms of getting a more peaceful sort of transition and steer the economy forward."

If it happens, it would be the first time a former Malaysian prime minister is part of his succesor's cabinet.