Royal Drama Behind Malaysia’s New Prime Minister
When Sultans Tried to Keep Mahathir Out of the Power Seat
Picture this: it’s May 9, 2024, and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance takes the throne by winning the general election. But rumor mill kicks full‑tilt, claiming that several Malay sultans were plotting to halt Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad from stepping into the role of Prime Minister.
Why the Rumors Leak in an October Blog Post
On October 10, veteran editor A. Kadir Jasin (now PM Mahathir’s media adviser) dropped the story in his personal blog. He said the timing was “opportune” after Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail revealed the king had offered her the premiership shortly after the election.
- Wan Azizah declined, citing the PH coalition’s agreement that Dr. Mahathir would become the leader.
- Malaysia’s unique system: the nine Malay royal houses rotate the king’s seat every five years. The current monarch is Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan.
- Kadir insists he’s writing as a blogger, not as a media aide to the PM.
High‑Level Hints—Not Names
At 71, Kadir kept the identities of the alleged rulers a mystery. But he urged that every word, gesture, and sigh at that pivotal moment be officially recorded for future reference—both for the current government and for posterity.
Kelantan’s Silent Revenge
Three months before the May polls, the Kelantan palace revoked a royal title previously awarded to Dr. Mahathir by the former sultan. Kadir interprets this as a cool (or maybe “kayak‑in‑the‑lake”) rejection from Kelantan’s royal desk.
Throwback: A Media Powerhouse
Bits of trivia: Kadir was once the chief editor of the News Straits Times Press (1988–2000) during Dr. Mahathir’s first stint as PM. He’s also a member of the Supreme Council of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir’s own party.
When Money Meets Monarchy
In June, Kadir stepped down from his role as media and communications head for PM Mahathir’s “Council of Elders.” Coincidentally, he posted a controversial claim: the Malaysian government spent RM257 million (≈ S$85.4 million) on maintaining the current king in his first year in office.
Some folks saw this as a slap to the king, especially since royal expenses remain shrouded in secrecy.
Bottom Line
So there it is: a cocktail of politics, royalty intrigue, and a dash of headline drama, all served up with a pinch of wit and a generous splash of commentary.
