Malaysia’s new premier

After a week of political turmoil in Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as Malasia’s premiere, marking the return of a scandal-mired party –Malaysian United Indigenous Party – to power which ruled Malaysia for six decades and was thrown out in 2018 elections owing corruption scandals.

The country’s monarch nominated little-known former interior minister Muhyiddin Yassin as the new prime minister. The decision came following the unexpected resignation of Mahathir Mohamad. The appointment of  Muhyiddin Yassin has stunned political analysts. Most of them were expecting either Mahathir or his long-time rival and ally Anwar Ibrahim.

This shocking appointment sidelines Mahathir Mohamad and also dashes the hopes of Anwar Ibrahim of becoming leader any time soon. Mahathir initially quit as premier and then sought to return. He has slammed the unexpected move as illegal and claimed to stand for the premiership on behalf of former ruling coalition. The decision has sparked widespread anger that a democratically-elected government had been ejected. As for now Mahathir and Anwar are allies again. Anwar claims to have a support of 114 lawmakers in parliament backing Mahathir for the top post. Mahathir accused the new premier of betrayal and is seeking parliament’s vote challenging the new leader.

Despite being the master manipulator, Mahathir has been an extraordinary leader and emerged as one of the most powerful Muslim leaders in the world. Mahathir also stood by Pakistan in Kashmir dispute, resulting in an Indian ban on import of palm oil. The world’s oldest leader also hosted KL Summit to resolve problems affecting Muslims which was unfortunately pushed into controversy after reservations from Middle East countries. Pakistan and Malaysia both enjoy cordial relations with each other. 

The appointment of Muhyiddin follows a weeklong political meltdown in Malaysia. Muhyiddin’s premiership will be ineffective unlike Mahathir. The newly-appointed premier should strongly represent Muslim Ummah and take stern steps to resolve the problems faced by the Muslims in the world. A new era in Malaysia has started and expectations from Muhyiddin are high. Pakistan expects relations between the two Muslim states will be further strengthened.