The domination of the Malays in PN does not mean that the govt will be designed purely on its racial composition, says political expert

by AFIQ AZIZ/ pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

DESPITE the newly formed Perikatan Nasional (PN) being Malay-dominated, political experts predict the new governing coalition’s Cabinet line-up will be formed based on merits, not race or religion.

Universiti Putra Malaysia associate Prof Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said the domination of the Malays in PN does not mean that the government will be designed purely on its racial composition.

“I believe the participation of MCA and MIC in the bloc translates into an administration which covers the interest of the people holistically,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).

The coalition is currently made of three Bumiputera parties namely Umno, PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, accounting to over 90 parliamentary representatives in PN, 80% from the total 114 that they claim to have.

This prompted the formation of a new government led by Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who was sworn in as the eighth prime minister (PM) on Sunday, a week after party chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned, which subsequently caused a political impasse.

PN’s Cabinet design is still a guessing game as this is the first time the government is composed of a Malay-Muslim based coalition.

In the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, former PM Dr Mahathir appointed 26 Cabinet ministers from Bersatu, DAP, PKR, Parti Amanah Negara and PH-friendly Parti Warisan Sabah.

Of the total, 13 were from multiracial PKR (seven) and DAP (six), while Bersatu and Amanah were granted five seats each and the remaining went to Warisan.

Having the biggest share in PN, Mohd Izani believed that Umno will be demanding the role of deputy PM.

However, the challenge may rise if Umno nominates its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is facing graft charges in court.

Due to this, Mohd Izani said the position best suits the party’s deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, former Negri Sembilan mentri besar.

As for PAS, Mohd Izani said it is high time for the party to be in a more “frontline” seat, after a 42-year absence from the federal administration.

This is especially attributed to the party’s relentless effort, together with Umno, in forming a backdoor government.

“Perhaps they could have representatives in more senior portfolios compared to the first time they were with the Umno coalition some 40 years ago,” Mohd Izani added.

Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the appointment of new PN ministers could be based on experience, consisting of various backgrounds, agenda, ethnicity and religion, from both the Peninsular, and Sabah and Sarawak.

However, he argued that Umno could be rewarded the most posts as it has the biggest share in PN with 39 MPs.

“Muhyiddin might also prioritise the most credible and reputable leaders. I think he will consider many factors,” Sivamurugan told TMR.

He added that Muhyiddin could also apply Dr Mahathir’s formula where Bersatu, which only contributed 13 seats to PH, got five of its MPs appointed as ministers.

“Bersatu had more seats although they were the smallest in the coalition. Muhyiddin could do the same or find a better formula like appoint corporate figures, academicians, or any non-partisan candidates who are fit to be in the government,” he added.

Sivamurugan believed that the appointment of ministers could be settled within this week, supported by Muhyiddin’s previous experience with Barisan Nasional which comprised over 13 components.

He also stressed on the importance of having a “unifying figure” to be the minister in charge of unity, after the previous one.

“At this juncture, this is an important portfolio because we are divided not only racially but also politically, so we need a figure who can bring us all together.

“Maybe this is where we need someone who is non-partisan,” he said, adding that unity will be one of Muhyiddin’s major challenges.