Shafie Apdal as the Next PM of Malaysia: A Dream or a Reality?

The proposal by Mahathir Muhamad’s former Bersatu group to select Shafie Apdal as the Prime Minister of Malaysia brings to light the complex political landscape in the country. The suggestion raises several questions about the unity and integrity of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, which now seems to be in a state of disarray. This article explores the feasibility and implications of such a proposal.

The PH Coalition's Current State of Affairs

The announcement that Shafie Apdal could potentially lead the country as the Prime Minister highlights the strained relationships within the PH coalition. The proposal has been released by the DAP (DemocraticAction Party), Amanah, and Warisan factions of Bersatu. Interestingly, PKR (People's Justice Party) was not invited to this meeting or simply chose not to attend. This exclusion underscores the rift within the PH coalition and suggests a fragmented approach towards addressing the political challenges faced by Malaysia.

Mahathir's Belated Backing and Anwar's Future Role

Mahathir’s decision, two years ago, to pass the PM position to Anwar Ibrahim seemed a step towards stabilizing the political climate. However, the current proposal to select Shafie Apdal as the PM paints a different picture, revealing that Mahathir might have had different intentions. The selection of Shafie over Anwar appears to be a strategic maneuver stemming from the need to form a government within the PH coalition. Anwar, though named First Deputy PM, is 73 years old, and it is unlikely he will serve for long. This leaves Mukhriz Bethlehem as the potential candidate, which PKR is not ready to accept.

The East Malaysia MPs' Role and Potential Impact

The involvement of East Malaysia Members of Parliament (MPs) in this vote of no confidence could provide the necessary support to oust Muhyiddin Yassin. However, the proposal hinges on the support of the East Malaysian MPs, particularly those from Sabah and Sarawak. Sarawak has already declared that it will not work with DAP, indicating a significant hurdle for the PH coalition. Without the backing of Sarawak and PKR, the vote of no confidence is unlikely to succeed.

The "No Win" Situation for PH

The idea of Seafie Apdal as the PM candidate is fraught with challenges. Even if the vote of no confidence succeeds, Muhyiddin retains the right to dissolve parliament and trigger new elections. In the event of such a dissolution, the PH coalition faces a substantial risk of losing, especially since PAS ( pan Islamic Movement of East Malaysia) and UMNO (United Malays National Organization) are now working together, immobilizing the fragmented PH coalition.

Conclusion

The proposal to appoint Shafie Apdal as the Prime Minister of Malaysia reflects the current political crisis within the PH coalition. While the intention might be noble, the reality is that the political landscape is too unstable for such a proposal to succeed. The disunity and lack of a cohesive strategy may ultimately lead to a worse situation for the PH coalition, further entrenching the current political turmoil in Malaysia.