KUALA LUMPUR – Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu’s defeat in this morning’s vote of confidence is a manifestation of Umno’s discontent with Bersatu, and may spell doom for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.
Political observers said the latest development in the state proves that the prime minister’s position is as weak as ever, despite the Perikatan Nasional government’s Budget 2021 victory at the policy stage last week.
It is likely that a similar scenario will play out in Parliament in the coming weeks, they said, with Muhyiddin having only a razor-thin majority and Umno on the fence.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun told The Vibes that what transpired in Perak today is the clearest sign yet that there are cracks between Umno and Bersatu.
“It is to the extent that Umno is willing to bring down a government with mostly their representatives, but headed by Bersatu.
“It is also a stern warning to Muhyiddin that even his position is shaky should Umno finally make up its mind to topple him, which can be effectuated any time before the Budget is finally passed.”
He said all eyes are now on states with a composition and alliances similar to Perak, such as Johor and Sabah.
He was commenting on Faizal’s loss in the state assembly this morning, with an overwhelming 48 of the 59 reps voting against him.
In Bersatu, Faizal is deputy to president Muhyiddin.
PM’s position ‘very weak’
National Council of Professors senior fellow Prof Jeniri Amir said today’s events showed that there is still strong doubt and suspicion among Umno leaders towards Bersatu.
It reflects what could happen at the federal level, especially following confusion and dissatisfaction among Umno members and the public over the implementation of certain aspects of the Budget, he said.
“You cannot deny that Muhyiddin’s position is very weak now. Umno will be looking at what happened in Perak and think the same in Parliament.”
The Budget’s passage at the policy stage does not mean Muhyiddin’s position is secure, but merely shows that MPs are rational enough to prioritise the people’s interests, he said.
“Muhyiddin shouldn’t be overconfident, and must not get comfortable. I think Umno is waiting for the right time to pounce. They won’t be sleeping.”
Voting out Faizal sends a message
Universiti Malaya’s Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said by voting out Faizal, it sends a message to Bersatu that a similar outcome could take place in the Dewan Rakyat if Umno’s demands are not met.
“Umno felt like there was no other way to get their point across at the federal level, so they chose to do it at a micro level, which is through Perak.
“In a way, they are not just toppling the MB, but it’s a move to show they reject Bersatu’s deputy president. It was done on purpose to send a message.”
The only way for Muhyiddin to avoid a similar fate is to give in to Umno’s demands, including for the party to get the deputy prime minister’s post, and those on Employees Provident Fund withdrawals and a loan moratorium.
Many Umno leaders are unhappy that the Budget has been tweaked from what the party initially sought. – The Vibes, December 4, 2020
