Will opposition parties accept Muhyiddin as PM-designate? Zaid asks

(MMO) – Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has suggested that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin be made Opposition Leader and Prime Minister-designate, saying that he had sources confirming that the former deputy prime minister will become president of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s new “all Malay/ Bumiputera party”.

Zaid said that the federal opposition needed a leader who could take over the administration of the country; as well as someone who could unite all parties including PAS.

“I am happy to learn from inside sources that he has decided to continue with politics by becoming President of the new party.

“I understand that it will be an all Malay/ Bumiputera party that will be somewhat similar to Umno. This is good development as it will broaden the Opposition coalition,” the former Umno law minister said in a blog posting this morning.

“A political party in this country can be based on one ethnic group so long as it’s not racist, narrow-minded and extreme in its actions.

“What we need is a Malay-based party that is inclusive and progressive, and that has all the attributes of a party of the future. It must be positive in its outlook and eschew hatred and bigotry. It must be a party that cares about the people, and that works to unite and not divide the nation,” he added.

Zaid said his only concern about the new political party is the willingness of other opposition parties to accept Muhyiddin as the leader and Prime Minister-designate.

“Opposition parties must learn to be humble and just say “we are here to help”. They must make defeating the BN their top priority.

As leader, Zaid said Muhyiddin will have to engage with all parties, including PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, before giving his own views.

“If Muhyiddin says that the Opposition should include PAS, then everyone must fall into line. Likewise, if he says PAS is unreliable and is in cahoots with Umno, then we must accept that position and prepare ourselves for a three-cornered fight,” he said.

Earlier this month, Dr Mahathir confirmed that he will be a founding member of a new political party that will ally with Pakatan Harapan to ensure straight fights against the BN ruling coalition in the coming general elections.