As dust settles in Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin must work to instil public confidence

A week into his appointment, the new premier has to win support from a public that is tired of ‘constant politicking’, observers say

All eyes will also be on Muhyiddin’s cabinet appointments, as rumours of a heavily Malay nationalist line-up persist

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Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Photo: Bernama/dpa

Published: 6:00pm, 8 Mar 2020Updated: 9:04am, 20 May 2020

As Malaysia’s unexpected new premier Muhyiddin Yassin ties up his first week in office with the key delay of parliament – allowing him time to consolidate power and stave off a vote of no confidence – the leader must now set about shoring up public support in the next few months, particularly among the moderates in the electorate.

Muhyiddin came to the role after a week-long imbroglio that saw previous leader Mahathir Mohamad, 94, step down when a political coup orchestrated by factions of the former ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and opposition parties hit a flashpoint.

What followed was a week of horse-trading and bargaining for support, before Malaysia’s king decided it was Muhyiddin who was most likely to command the majority of Malaysia’s lower house, a requirement to become premier in the constitutional monarchy.

After coming to power, Muhyiddin pushed parliament to May from early March, delaying PH’s planned gambit of a motion of no confidence from the floor.

Now, the Malay nationalist politician must win over Malaysia’s non-Malay voters who view him with some scepticism, having overwhelmingly voted for the progressive multiracial PH during general elections in 2018 while also tamping down on infighting within the new government formation.

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