Syed Hussin appointment makes opposition look bad, say analysts

The appointment has caused Perikatan Nasional to lose credibility as it has always claimed to have sufficient support to topple Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government.

(FMT) – The appointment of Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal as head of a government committee on prices and the cost of living has put the opposition in a bad light, an analyst said.

Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Syed Hussin’s appointment looks good for the government but not for the opposition, particularly Bersatu.

“It looks bad because an opposition MP is willing to work for the government, which gives the perception that opposition MPs are not loyal (to their own parties), especially to Bersatu,” he told FMT.

Bersatu and PAS are partners in Perikatan Nasional, which forms the parliamentary opposition.

Azmi also said the appointment has caused Perikatan Nasional to lose credibility as it has always claimed to have sufficient support to topple Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government.

“But now it looks to be the other way around,” he said.

Azmi said the appointment also shows that the opposition has failed in its role as a check and balance to the government, even for critical issues such as the cost of living.

“It looked as if the opposition cannot do its job,” said Azmi.

Last week, Syed Hussin was appointed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to head a committee to tackle the issue of rising food prices and cost of living set up under the the National Action Council on Cost of Living.

Another analyst, Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, said Syed Hussin was given the position because Anwar wants to utilise the expertise of MPs who back his government.

“Syed Hussin has a good background and expertise in business, so perhaps he has ideas on tackling the issue. This does not mean there is no one capable enough in government to take the role. It’s just that his background suits it,” Mazlan said.

Syed Hussin’s appointment could be seen as recognition of his support for the government, he said.

Syed Hussin previously served as chairman of the fisheries development authority.

He is one of six Bersatu MPs who have declared their support for Anwar and the unity government in recent months. The others are Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

Syed Hussin previously told FMT that his selection as the committee head was influenced by his experience in establishing a platform for the public to obtain essential goods at reasonable prices.