Analyst questions Muhyiddin’s ability to lead Malay unity agenda
Universiti Malaya’s Tawfik Yaakub says the initiative will only succeed if led by a professional figure who transcends political partisanship.
(FMT) – A political analyst has questioned the ability of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to spearhead a “national unification agenda” to strengthen Malay solidarity.
Tawfik Yaakub of Universiti Malaya said the initiative would only succeed if led by a professional figure who transcends political partisanship, and is respected across all factions and widely accepted as its leader.
If stakeholders insisted on having a politician at the helm, Tawfik suggested a younger leader with fresh ideas who could command confidence across the political spectrum, including within the government.
“If the call for Malay unity comes solely from one side and is not reciprocated by Malay political parties within the government such as Umno and Amanah, this effort will be futile,” he said.
“There must be collaboration across all parties and organisations, not to change the government but to mainstream the voices and rights of the Malay community.”
Tawfik was responding to a proposal by Bersatu’s newly elected Wanita chief, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who suggested that the former prime minister lead a cross-party agenda involving Malay organisations and key leaders.
Mas Ermieyati said the call was to strengthen Malay unity, which she claimed had weakened to the point that other communities felt emboldened to challenge Malay privileges.
Comparing Bersatu’s current strength to that of its ally PAS, which has more seats and resources, Tawfik said: “His (Muhyiddin’s) time has passed.”
He also dismissed Mas Ermieyati’s proposal, describing it as a “common syndrome of those without power” and as seeking attention from the Malay community.
He said empowering the Malays should involve addressing non-political issues such as poverty.
“This would resonate more deeply with the Malay community and translate into political influence, rather than recycling political issues that further divide them,” he said.
Ariff Aizuddin Azlan from Universiti Teknologi Mara however expressed confidence in Muhyiddin’s ability to lead the agenda, describing him as a prominent opposition figure capable of rallying political allies behind the initiative.
To gain widespread support, Ariff said Muhyiddin should craft a clear narrative and articulate objectives in simple, relatable terms.
“If this movement is to be framed more broadly, Muhyiddin must remain open and receptive to public opinion,” he said.
He added that engagement with academics and intellectuals should also be considered to ensure a more holistic formulation of policies and effectively position the agenda in society.
