Dr. Mahathir Emerges as Perikatan's De Facto Leader, Shaping Political Landscape

Politics
20 Sep 2023 • 2:00 PM MYT
Kamran
Kamran

A freelance content creator

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Image Credit: Malay Mail

In a strategic move that has sent ripples through the political landscape, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has been appointed as the advisor of "State Government 4" (SG4), a decision that former federal minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak believes is poised to establish Mahathir as the de facto leader of Perikatan Nasional.

The move sheds light on the conspicuous absence of Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from the recent meeting between PAS and Dr. Mahathir, where discussions centered on the four states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Salleh emphasized the brilliance of Mahathir's political maneuvering, highlighting the former Prime Minister's intention to reclaim a prominent position in the political arena, despite the setbacks faced in Langkawi during the 15th General Election.

Salleh, a former Sabah chief minister and communications and multimedia minister from 2015 to 2018, further elaborated that Muhyiddin's options were limited, leading him to align with PAS within the coalition. Bersatu, led by Muhyiddin, currently commands 31 parliamentary seats, while PAS holds 43. Moreover, all four states within SG4 are under PAS governance, further solidifying the party's influence in the strategic alliance.

The agreement among the four Mentris Besar of these states to establish an official grouping for strategic cooperation and investment marks a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of the people within the region. This move is expected to pave the way for joint efforts aimed at uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the populace.

PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar announced on Thursday that Dr. Mahathir would assume the role of SG4's advisor, focusing on matters of governance and actively engaging in efforts to attract investors to the states. This decision underscores the high regard in which Dr. Mahathir is held for his extensive experience and expertise in both governance and economic development.

The appointment of Dr. Mahathir as SG4's advisor not only signifies a political resurgence for the former Prime Minister but also symbolizes a strategic alignment with PAS, a pivotal partner within the Perikatan Nasional coalition. This move solidifies Mahathir's position as a central figure in the ongoing political discourse of Malaysia.

Critics and political analysts are closely monitoring the implications of this development, as it introduces a new dynamic to the already complex landscape of Malaysian politics. Dr. Mahathir's return to a position of influence could potentially reshape the alliances and power structures within Perikatan Nasional.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the role of Dr. Mahathir and his influence on the political trajectory of Malaysia will undoubtedly be a topic of intense scrutiny and discussion. His appointment as SG4's advisor is seen as a strategic chess move, positioning him as a key player in the unfolding political narrative of the nation. It remains to be seen how this development will unfold in the coming months and how it will impact the broader political landscape of Malaysia.


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