M’sia House of Cards Biggest Twist (So Far): Najib Now Support Anwar to be PM

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard all about the latest political struggle in Malaysia politics.

And now, in the latest surprising twist, ex-PM Najib has voiced his support for Anwar to be the prime minister of Malaysia.

On 26 Oct 2020, Najib asked for support from fellow lawmakers (MPs) to back Anwar’s bid for the prime minister seat.

Which is pretty surprising, considering that Anwar was part of the coalition that kicked him out of the prime minister seat, leading him to get charged and sentenced to 12 years in jail.

Najib’s Suggestion

According to CNA, Najib has suggested for the UMNO party in parliament to push for an election after Covid-19 is brought back under control.

If for some reason, their call was rejected, UMNO can consider working together with Anwar’s party.

Of course, with some conditions attached.

Sources familiar to the matter said that many in his coalition were against the idea.

UMNO, after a meeting, said they’re backing Anwar’s bid for the premiership.

Game of Thrones

If you were to look at Malaysia politics for the past few years, you’ll find it resembling a certain TV show on HBO.

Anwar was jailed during Najib’s tenure as prime minister of Malaysia on charges of sodomy.

In 2018, Anwar joined hands with his former opponent, Mahathir, to kick Najib out of the prime minister seat.

Mahathir later stepped down from his prime minister seat and was replaced by current prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Recently, after PM Muhyiddin’s attempt to call for an emergency was torn down by the Agong (King of Malaysia), his position is now in more danger than ever.

He attributed the need for a state of emergency to the spike in coronavirus cases in Malaysia but many of his critics said he was trying to find an excuse to suspend the parliament.

He only holds a two-seat majority in parliament, and if support shifts over to Anwar’s coalition, it could mean the end of his prime minister stint.

Muhyiddin is also facing calls for him to resign voluntarily from the leadership position.

Agong’s Response

Besides meeting with Anwar over the matter of his claims of support, the Agong took the chance to say a few words of criticism to his country’s politicians while rejecting Muhyiddin’s request for a state of emergency.

“Even so, His Majesty would like to remind politicians to immediately stop all politicking that could disrupt the stability of the government.”

Labelling the actions as “irresponsible”, the Agong said that continuing down this path could lead to the disruption of stability in Malaysia.

It was added that the National Budget is very important for the people who are dealing with Covid-19 and trying to revive the economy.

Should the proposed emergency go ahead, it will mean the suspension of parliament, and the National Budget, as mentioned earlier, will not be “put to vote”.

Seven former presidents of the Malaysian Bar Council have also disagreed with Muhyiddin’s proposal to put Malaysia in a state of emergency.

“There is no violence or threat to the security of our nation,” they wrote in an open letter.

“If the predominant objective of the suggested declaration is to suspend parliament, and to gain emergency powers then it will obviously be an unlawful design which, if unchecked, will disenfranchise and deceive Malaysians.”

The next session of Malaysia’s parliament will commence on 2 November 2020, with the presentation of budget scheduled for 6 November 2020.