Bersatu needs deputy prime minister post to stay relevant: analysts

KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu may insist that its demand for the deputy prime minister’s post is nothing more than the party laying claim to what it is owed from Umno, but political observers see it as a sign of desperation to remain relevant.

This is possibly why the Umno splinter party has been fervently pushing for the number two position although the postholder will likely last mere months before Parliament is dissolved, with the general election due in a year.

For the analysts, being able to occupy such a key position in the administration is particularly crucial for Bersatu after damning defeats in the Melaka and Johor state polls showed diminishing support for the party.

Speaking to The Vibes, Universiti Malaya academic Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said it is clear that Bersatu is attempting to fortify its position before the country heads to the ballot box, after the prime ministership swapped hands from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last August.

“After Muhyiddin resigned as prime minister, Bersatu’s influence has gradually weakened, and they don’t appear to have much control over things now, other than having several leaders scattered across various ministries,” he said.

“By having the deputy prime ministership, it will instil public confidence and increase support on the ground. They can show voters as though they are still relevant and very much needed.”

On Sunday, Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, said he recently met with Ismail Sabri to discuss the deputy prime minister’s post, among several other pressing matters.

He had cited a previous agreement between PN and Ismail Sabri to justify Bersatu’s push for the position, a sentiment that was echoed by the party’s information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

Awang Azman, however, said Ismail Sabri might be caught between a rock and a hard place in the matter of the number two post.

On one hand, he said, not awarding the coveted position to Bersatu could further strain the relationship between the two parties at the executive level – but giving up the post to a rival party risks provoking the ire of those in Umno.

“In Umno’s view, allowing Bersatu to take on the position means bowing down to them. The leadership wouldn’t take it too kindly if Ismail Sabri does it. And I feel Ismail Sabri also knows that his position too could be threatened if a Bersatu leader is appointed his deputy.

He is already not in the good books among many Umno members for delaying the general election. I don't think he would want to risk it further by going to bed with Bersatu.”

No need for Umno to kowtow to Bersatu anymore

In announcing his cabinet line-up on August 27 last year, Ismail Sabri had decided to opt for four senior ministers – two from Bersatu and one each from Umno and Gabungan Parti Sarawak – in place of a deputy prime minister.

The move was seen as a clear attempt to appease the various parties in government, a similar approach that was also adopted during PN’s time in federal power, when Muhyiddin led the country.

Muhyiddin only later appointed Ismail Sabri as his number two in July 2021, close to his final days in office, amid intense pressure and question marks over the Bersatu president’s leadership.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Prof Kartini Aboo Talib said Bersatu’s push for the deputy prime minister post was done in the hope of ensuring support would return to the party, although she does not see Ismail Sabri acceding to the demand.

Bersatu is a splinter party and not cohesive. The results of the Melaka and Johor elections both show the party is gone with the wind. Thus, negotiating for the post is an attempt to maintain support for the party.”

Kartini said while the belief prior to the Melaka and Johor polls is that Umno should consider giving the number two post to Bersatu for support, this point is no longer relevant considering Umno and Barisan Nasional scored impressive victories in both states.

“Ismail Sabri can retain the current cabinet and do nothing about Bersatu’s demand. Doing nothing is also a strategy,” she said, adding that Bersatu should instead focus its attention on issues concerning the public such as inflation.

“Bersatu should not be the lousy villain, creating chaos in an already struggling economic situation. I don’t think it is wise. The rakyat will only disrespect them and see their leaders as power-greedy.” – The Vibes, July 9, 2022