Partisan pick for Economy Minister could rock Unity Govt, analysts warn

SHAH ALAM – As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim considers Malaysia’s next Economy Minister, political analysts caution that appointing a purely partisan figure could ignite internal tensions and jeopardise government unity.

Speaking to Sinar Daily, political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has cautioned that maintaining stability within the current government is important, particularly with Umno as a key coalition partner.

A political analyst has cautioned that ensuring harmony with Umno is a critical calculation for the administration to sustain its footing and manage the complexities of coalition politics effectively. - Bernama file photo

She stated that ensuring harmony with Umno is a critical calculation for the administration to sustain its footing and manage the complexities of coalition politics effectively.

"The important thing now is to maintain stability with Umno. It’s crucial to appease Umno,” she said, noting that the coalition’s limited pool of viable candidates among PKR and Umno adds to the difficulty.

O2 Research Head Anis Anwar echoed these concerns, stating that bringing in a technocrat would help avoid new factional battles within PKR and Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“Since Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s departure, coalition unity has already been tested by emerging PKR tensions, lingering scepticism among Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs and voter impatience,” he said.

In such an environment, Anis argued, a technocratic figure would help depoliticise the Economy Ministry and reinforce the Unity Government’s 'collective responsibility' ethos.

"Umno is simultaneously recalibrating for 16th General Election and it is unlikely to object to a non-aligned professional as long as its key rural development and social welfare programmes are safeguarded," Anis added.

According to Anis, PKR, still recovering from internal contests, recognised that any overt infighting over a partisan pick could harm its credibility.

In contrast, he said a neutral technocrat would deny critics an opportunity to accuse the party of prioritising internal loyalties over national interest.

Anis also said that PH leaders are aware that voter dissatisfaction with opportunistic appointments could jeopardise the coalition’s comfortable majority.

"A technocrat appointment is the path of least resistance. It insulates the Cabinet from intra-party strife, stabilises markets, and fosters a sense of forward momentum without inviting fresh controversies," Anis added.

Within PKR, he said selecting a technocrat prevents either the Nurul Izzah Anwar faction or the Rafizi faction from monopolising the economic portfolio.

While grassroots members may be disappointed that their preferred candidates lack visibility, they are likely to appreciate the party's prioritisation of national interest.

"Other PH political members have not much to say or comment to keep the coalition in order and harmony.

"BN will accept a technocrat as long as its key constituencies are taken care of and those ministry seats do not fall under their party seat quota," he said.