Chance for redress
Opportunity for Mahathir to right all wrongs of the last Cabinet, say analysts
KUALA LUMPUR: The next few days will define the country’s future political landscape, and all eyes will be on who leads the administration and what the new Cabinet will look like.
Indications seem to be pointing towards Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad making a comeback to the top position as prime minister, which he currently holds on interim, and that he could also return to lead Pakatan Harapan (PH).
If it materialises, this could be Mahathir’s opportunity to right all the wrongs of the last Cabinet, according to political analysts.
They claimed that in the 20 over months since PH came to power, the elder statesman has had enough time to evaluate whom he thinks are capable of doing their jobs, and if given the mandate again, should get rid of all the bad apples.
Political analyst Dr Lim Teck Ghee said Mahathir should break free from the political “horse-trading” tradition of past Cabinet selections and go for only the best and most competent.
“Those bad performing ones, get rid of them. He also needs to keep out all racial and religious agenda when making his selection.
“That’s very important because the most fundamental thing in a country is stability, cohesion and unity. Any form of racial and religious politicking will undermine this configuration,” he told the Sun yesterday.
Independent political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said having worked together with his previous Cabinet, Mahathir would now have a better understanding of whom he believes could be effective ministers.
“The important thing is he should be given the freedom to pick who he wishes. It is provided within the context of parliamentary democracy that the premier shall appoint those he feels can work with him,” he said.
Universiti Selangor’s Ismail Hashim also agreed that should Mahathir be given another chance to lead the nation, this would be his opportunity to redress the Cabinet to ensure stability.
“It’s his chance to correct everything that is wrong about the PH government. He should appoint those he feels can fit into the Cabinet and bring stability to Malaysia,” he said.
Ismail added that at the moment, there was no better person than Mahathir to lead the country as the prime minister, but said it was also important that the promised power transition to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim takes place, to avoid further crises.