GE16: Muhyiddin still relevant as PM candidate - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is still relevant to be the Prime Minister candidate for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the 16th General Election (GE16).

Universiti Malaya Political Science Department Public Administration and Development Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said the Pagoh Member of Parliament still possesses strength in terms of experience, service, and leadership style, which could enhance support for the coalition.

According to him, PN also needed to avoid power struggles when the momentum of support for the coalition was seen to be increasing, and Muhyiddin was still energetic.

"I see Muhyiddin still relevant among supporters and some people who have experience under his administration before.

"Moreover, when campaigning in any election or meeting people informally, they still respect him for his past leadership.

"I think retaining Muhyiddin is the right step for PN to provide even fiercer competition and to fully replace BN, which is increasingly facing a decline in support from the Malay community and the people," he told Sinar on Friday.

He said this when asked to comment about PN admitting to having never discussed prime minister candidates other than retaining its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in the upcoming GE16.

PN information chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali stressed that the coalition did not waver from this stance because they believed Muhyiddin's leadership was the best for the people.

Tawfik added that it was difficult to find a replacement among PN leaders so far who have the experience and ability to lead the government during the Covid-19 crisis and political conflicts without involving any chaotic situations at that time.