POLITICAL analysts are asserting that former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent appointment as an adviser to a coalition of four PAS-led states will not adversely affect the standing of former prime minister (PM) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman.
Dr Mahathir is set to provide economic guidance to the group known as the “state government four” or “SG4.”
Akademi Nusantara Prof Dr Azmi Hassan emphasised that Dr Mahathir’s role will resemble that of PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s previous advisory role in the Selangor government, focusing primarily on economic matters.
This move is perceived as an attempt by PAS to enhance the economic credibility and influence of the states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, which they govern.
“Dr Mahathir, being a former PM, has vast experience. His clout and influence is particularly important, in terms of (spreading the) perception that (the four states) are heading towards a better future,” he told news portal Free Malaysia Today.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar revealed last week that a coalition of PN-led states is in the works, with Dr Mahathir serving as its unofficial adviser. Samsuri stated that Dr Mahathir’s role would primarily involve advising on governance and connecting the states with foreign investors.
However, former Sabah DUN speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak raised concerns, suggesting that the move aimed to project Dr Mahathir as PN’s de facto leader, potentially diminishing Muhyiddin’s prominence.
University of Tasmania’s James Chin dismissed this notion, describing Dr Mahathir’s role as that of a “mentoring icon.”
Moreover, he noted that PN’s overarching goal is to unite various parties and figures to challenge Anwar’s leadership and the unity government under its “big tent” concept. Chin further stressed that PN’s dominance remains unchallenged.
Merdeka Center Ibrahim Suffian cautioned that utilising Dr Mahathir to discredit the ruling government could be counterproductive for PN, highlighting that Dr Mahathir’s popularity has waned in recent times. – Sept 20, 2023
Main photo credit: The Star
