KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s reaffirmation of support for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has made it tough for opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to launch a coup against the prime minister, said analysts.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Azmil Tayeb, speaking to The Vibes, acknowledged that the situation is still fluid, as alliances can easily change.
However, he said, Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional administration will gain the upper hand over PKR president Anwar if it is able to get high approval ratings from beating back the coronavirus pandemic, or reshuffles the cabinet to give Umno a bigger share.
“Then, Umno would be less likely to work with Anwar to topple PN.
“Without defections from some Umno MPs, it would be very difficult for Anwar to take over the federal government.”
Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Prof Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani holds the same view on Anwar’s shot at wresting Putrajaya.
“The current reality has hampered Anwar’s efforts to gain Umno’s support to take over the government in the near term.
“But, focus will be given to efforts to combat Covid-19 and revive the economy, as called for by the Agong and Conference of Rulers.”
Rejecting the prime minister’s proposal of emergency rule, the Agong on Sunday decreed a stop to politicking and for all leaders to contain the health crisis.
The following night, Umno decided to maintain its support for Muhyiddin, with president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying it is based on the party’s vow to heed the Agong’s orders.
Nonetheless, the party reiterated that it will not work with either Anwar or opposition outfit DAP.
“Umno called for reconciliation, but rejected cooperation with PKR and DAP,” said Azizuddin.
“Based on these circumstances, I feel that Umno will continue to defend PN, but the best way to do so is for it to fully join the pact.”
Azmil said Umno’s support for PN shows that the party found itself in a stalemate after Muhyiddin got the royal snub.
“Going against Muhyiddin and PN means having to work with Pakatan Harapan, namely DAP, which is unpalatable to some in Umno.
“In light of this, it’s better for the party to focus on the immediate issues at hand, such as tackling Covid-19 and getting the economy back on track.”
Despite the Barisan Nasional lynchpin’s declaration of a ceasefire, the political scientist said he has “no doubt” that its leaders, as well as Anwar and other politicians, will resume their power tussle soon.
On October 13, Umno said it was mulling pulling support for PN and would seek fresh terms for continued cooperation, and a week later, announced with PAS that the two parties would have their Muafakat Nasional alliance registered as an official political entity.
Also on October 13, Anwar had an audience with the Agong, where the opposition leader said he submitted documents to prove that he had the numbers to topple Muhyiddin’s government.
However, Istana Negara later issued a statement saying Anwar did not provide the names of MPs to substantiate his claim. – The Vibes, October 28, 2020
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