Takiyuddin-Rina: election fodder? No, but public accountability needed, analysts say

KUALA LUMPUR – Politicians should be transparent with the public, even about their supposed marriage, observers said regarding rumours surrounding caretaker ministers Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun.

While their supposed nuptials have made media headlines, the matter itself won’t have much impact in the coming general election, and the duo should only clarify the matter for the sake of public accountability as elected officials.

Universiti Malaya academic Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said as politicians, both should clear the air over the rumours, which surfaced again recently.

“Gossip over the alleged matrimony is more about their (Takiyuddin and Rina’s) personal lives, but since they are both (caretaker) cabinet ministers, it would be best for them to clarify the matter to the public.

“As politicians, they are accountable to the public. Even if the issue (of their supposed marriage) is very personal, it is still considered part of current politics in the context of Malaysia,” he told Getaran, The Vibes’ sister portal.

Their silence might negatively impact their reputation and be used to tarnish their respective parties or their own candidacies in the upcoming 15th general election. 

By confirming or denying the rumours, they can establish if the claims were baseless and can even opt to take legal action, he added.

“Where is the harm if the rumours are true? If they (Takiyuddin and Rina) deny the allegations, then they will have proven false the slander against them. 

“Both of them should provide answers (to the public). Why do they need to hide a good thing? A marriage is a legitimate bond that the public should be informed of,” Awang Azman said. 

Takiyuddin is caretaker energy and natural resources minister and PAS secretary-general, while Rina is caretaker women, family and community development minister and Bersatu Srikandi or women’s wing chief.

Marriage rumours unlikely to influence voters

Universiti Utara Malaysia political analyst Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, meanwhile, said such rumours will not have a significant impact on PAS in GE15.

While saucy, the issue is one that voters are unlikely to pay much attention to after initial curiosity, as policy issues are more likely to dominate the election focus.

However, Azizuddin agreed that if their marriage is true, there is nothing for Takiyuddin and Rina to hide.

“If they are married, they should just say so. For me, the issue (of their supposed marriage) is only being raised because they are treating it as a secret,” he said.

While the two have the right to choose whether to confirm such rumours, it would be better for them as politicians to clear the air quickly, he added.

Speculations on Rina being Takiyuddin’s fourth wife first started making the rounds last year. When asked recently, both of them gave vague and indirect replies that neither confirmed nor denied the matter. – The Vibes, October 19, 2022