Anwar Ibrahim to Take the Helm
After a wild Saturday election that left Malaysia with a hung Parliament, Pakatan Harapan (PH) de‑amateur visionary Anwar Ibrahim is set to be sworn in as the new prime‑minister this Thursday night.
Unity or Bust?
- Still, not everyone is smiling. Perikatan Nasional (PN), led by Muhyiddin Yassin, has flipped from a hard “no” to a cautious “maybe” after the King put forth a “unity government” idea.
- In a rare show of compromise, Barisan Nasional (BN) – including Umno is considering the King’s proposition to create a coalition that doesn’t favor PN.
- Umno’s supreme council has officially endorsed the move. But the wider BN coalition, which runs on a 30‑MP heart, hasn’t raised its hand yet. Right now, it’s like a family debate over whether to adopt a puppy.
Key Players and Their Choices
Umno chief Mohammed (Zahid) Hamidi is under a tightrope‑walk, juggling the pressure to sign off on a unity agreement with the internal backlash from BN colleagues who wanted to keep the coalition neutral.
- There’s a letter from BN allies asking Zahid to step back as chairman. Apparently, the “jealousy” is the new norm in politics.
- Meanwhile, BN deputy Mohammad Hasan from Umno is bouncing in as a possible deputy premier. And we might also see a sibling from GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) drop into the mix.
GPS and DAP Diplomacy
- GPS, which had pledged 23 MPs to Ahmed (Muhyiddin), is set to meet later today to follow the King’s call for unity.
- In an encouraging move, DAP leader Anthony Loke expressed apologies for any missteps that might have offended GPS’s premier, Abang Johari Openg. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and get the gears turning,” Loke said.
Heads‑Up: Shifts in the Political Landscape
Historically dominant BN is now facing a mid‑season slump, making Anwar and Muhyiddin the obvious successors in the race for Prime Minister. Anwar’s PH bloc counts 82 MPs, while Muhyiddin’s PN holds 79. The numbers are close, but the pulse is telling.
Despite earlier claims of a “lead” by PN’s Hadi Awang, the grand council’s latest meeting indicates the group’s stance is evolving. The options are either a blended coalition or a split where PN chooses to stay out. Whatever the outcome, it’s a story about teamwork, or at least about prankish political chess.
Final Takeaway
The date is set. Anwar Ibrahim will take the oath. The drama is the backdrop. In Malaysia’s political ballroom, the dance is about aligning more than opposing, and the ball will come together tomorrow. Good luck, folks – may the best coalition win the crown!
