Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has recently taken on the role of unofficial adviser to the four PAS-governed states: Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis, collectively known as the "State-Government 4" (SG4). The move aims to rejuvenate these states by attracting foreign investments. However, opinions on Dr. Mahathir's potential impact in this new capacity vary among political observers.
Professor Datuk Jayum Jawan of Universiti Putra Malaysia expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Dr. Mahathir's advisory role, contending that it operates outside established international financial frameworks. Jayum believes that dealing directly with the federal government is essential for matters involving finance, rather than individually with states.
Jayum further emphasized the significance of the Federal Constitution's Ninth Schedule, particularly Items 7 and 8, which pertain to finance and trade respectively. According to him, state governments must secure federal government approval for any external engagements involving financial matters.
Contrarily, Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, acknowledged the pressing need for investments in these four states, especially after the extended PAS rule. While he acknowledged Dr. Mahathir's potential to attract investments, he also pointed out that foreign investors might be cautious due to the socially charged environments in these states.
Professor Kartini Aboo Talib@Khalid from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia held an optimistic view. She regarded Dr. Mahathir as a visionary figure with a wealth of experience and extensive global business networks. She believed that his advisory role could lead to an influx of reliable capital and investors, not only from Japan and South Korea but from around the world. Kartini also envisioned a diverse range of foreign direct investments, extending beyond monetary capital.
Kartini highlighted that Dr. Mahathir's advisory role would serve as a valuable platform for these states to learn progressive strategies from a seasoned statesman. She emphasized the importance of not underestimating Dr. Mahathir's business networks and his potential to bolster capital for both PAS and PN.
In terms of Dr. Mahathir's own political standing, opinions diverged. Some saw the advisory role as too modest for a figure of his stature, while others considered it a lifeline for a seasoned politician seeking continued relevance. Nevertheless, the consensus was that politics in Malaysia is undergoing rapid shifts, making it difficult to predict the long-term impact of this development.
Dr. Mahathir's advisory role is not just a symbolic gesture; it has the potential to reshape economic strategies and attract investments that could significantly impact the states involved. As these political and economic dynamics continue to evolve, the efficacy of Dr. Mahathir's advisory position will undoubtedly remain a subject of keen interest and scrutiny.
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