KUALA LUMPUR – While some applauded the move by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down as prime minister yesterday, others did not share the same celebratory mood.
Tourism company director Rahmathu Bahia Begum is among the former, saying the resignation has lessened the burden of the people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Right now, the people deserve a responsible leader to lead the nation, not one who does not have the mental nor physical capability, or the physical health.
“Alhamdulillah, it is a good decision, though he should have done it (resigned) much earlier.
“What happened today (yesterday) was long-awaited. This ‘bekas’ prime minister was not doing anything. He could not even manage the Covid-19 situation, how do you expect him to lead the country?”
Although the writing is on the wall for Muhyiddin since last week, entrepreneur Amelia Abdul Halim said she was taken back as it came at a crucial moment – when the country is desperate for the Covid-19 pandemic to end.
Malaysia needs a strong and visionary leader to strengthen the situation, and all blame games must be put to rest, she added.
“Pointing fingers or repeatedly bringing up the Sheraton Move, who is a ‘katak’; this is not the right time,” she said, adding that those in power should be putting their heads together to appoint the right successor.
On who she finds suitable for the position, Amelia said: “We need someone with vast experience and knowledge like Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein or the young Khairy Jamaluddin. This trio will be able to bring back our glory days as they have excellent diplomatic ties.”
Muhyiddin had yesterday resigned amid a political turmoil after leading the country for 17 months. However, he will remain as caretaker prime minister until the Yang di-Pertuan Agong names a successor.
Financier Joy Rezal said despite social media speculating the resignation, he did not expect it to happen so abruptly.
“Although he was not the perfect prime minister, it cannot be denied that Muhyiddin contributed a fair bit to the well-being of the rakyat.
“He did bring about many incentives during the first movement control order, but slacked off during the second and third (lockdowns).
“What happened was, in my point of view, he was swayed away by political affairs to ensure he remained in power.”
On who he would choose to succeed Muhyiddin, Joy said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be a suitable candidate.
“Ismail Sabri has been a senior minister dealing with Covid-19 for more than a year, and was recently appointed as deputy prime minister. So, for me, he is the most suitable to govern the country.”
Private company assistant director Nazly Ibrahim also believes that Muhyiddin did what he could for the people when he was prime minister, and that his cabinet members who failed to deliver their end of the bargain, resulting in the failure of the whole system.
“Look at how wishy-washy his ministers are. They could not even standardise the standard operating procedures for us, what more to lead the country? Everything just went to the dogs.
“Although Muhyiddin’s role in the Sheraton Move was completely uncalled for, it is unjustified to solely blame it on him as many other parties were also culprits.”
A small and medium enterprise firm director, who wishes to be known only as True Blue Malaysian, said he was angry and sad when the Sheraton Move happened in February last year.
However, Muhyiddin’s resignation brought me “over the moon”, he added.
He said the people were robbed by the Perikatan Nasional government, as they had voted in Pakatan Harapan during the 14th general election – a first since Malaysia achieved independence in 1957.
“When he (Muhyiddin) took over with PN, it was a total loss for Malaysia.
“Reset! Reset! Reset! The country’s law must be supreme over self agenda. It is so sad. We can fly to the moon if only we have a committed government.” – The Vibes 17 August 2021
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