'Political blunder' to ask for DPM post now, says expert

11 Jul 2022 08:00am

Bersatu may be making a political blunder in asking for the DPM's post now, says political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara

SHAH ALAM - Experts say Bersatu is in a weak position to ask for the deputy prime minister's post and could be making a "political blunder" in asking for the top position as rakyat struggle with rising cost of living.

This comes after Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin's Cabinet position was retained despite quitting Bersatu for Parti Bangsa Malaysia.

Professor Datuk Shamsul Amri Baharuddin of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said Bersatu led by president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is aiming to root for another Bersatu member to replace Zuraida's position.

"Zuraida is leaving, so all they are asking for is another Bersatu member to replace her," he said.

Furthermore, Shamsul said the agreement to appoint a deputy prime minister from Bersatu may have been a "gentleman's agreement and not a written agreement."

Several days ago, Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan had insisted that Ismail Sabri Yaakob promised Perikatan Nasional (PN) the deputy prime minister’s post before his appointment as the prime minister in August 2021.

Wan Saiful had said the promise is contained in a “coalition agreement” signed between Ismail, who is an Umno vice-president, and PN. It was witnessed by Umno's Tan Sri Annuar Musa. However, Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan’s has claimed that Ismail had not signed any agreement promising PN the deputy prime minister’s post.

Meanwhile, political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the deputy prime minister's post would not make a difference in the country's political scene.

Azmi said Bersatu is upset with Ismail Sabri for retaining Zuraida's ministerial post. "Whether there is an agreement or not, I think Bersatu is trying to pressure PM either to give them the DPM post or get rid of Zuraida and replace her with another Bersatu minister. "

However, Azmi said it may not be the right time to ask as GE15 is around and the prime minister could administer the country with the help of senior ministers.

"DPM's post will not help the rakyat to fight the rising cost of living.

"Umno is using this issue to discredit Bersatu and Bersatu is making a political blunder on this issue," he added.