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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright December 2022
Almost everyone anticipated Zahid's appointment as DPM the moment elections results were announced but we were hoping against hope that it would not happen because it would violate all the principles advanced by both PH and BN during the campaign.
But we knew, deep in our hearts that the UMNO President would get the the number 2 job because this is the best option for both PH and UMNO in a non-zero sum game.
The Prime Minister's appointment of Zahid as one of his two deputies confirms that he has no other option left. This is the only win-win option available for both PH and UMNO.
We know without UMNO-BN, Anwar Ibrahim would never be able to form a government because PN had declined the YDPA's recommendation for a unity government earlier.
Both parties knew and so did everyone in the gallery. PH needs the numbers from BN-UMNO to get a majority in Parliament and win that vote of confidence in the PM to be tabled in December.
With UMNO-BN's support and those from Sabah and Sarawak the PM has a two third majority to assure the vote would carry. Be rest assured the position of PM10 is safe during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
On the other hand, PH has to accommodate UMNO's wishes to ensure peace in the party that was demanding, that its President resign after the poor showing in the recent general election.
It's a face saving mechanism for Zahid to prepare for the party polls due in December too.
It would be ideal for Zahid to walk into the UMNO General Assembly during the AGM to elect a new president and say "We won although we lost the election!"
This would be followed by a loud applause and Zahid won't "lose face" although this is the worst ever result posted by the party since independence.
Chances are Zahid might even be re-elected as President of UMNO now that he is DPM and he has secured the second largest number of ministerial posts for his party in the new cabinet.
Meanwhile, Anwar is "unshakeable" for now as 10th Prime Minister, a post that he has alluded him for more than 24 years.
To gain that position and walk away from the negotiating table where you allow your partner to have the win-win situation, certain principles might have to be sacrificed.
For Zahid, it may be just a party post but for Anwar it's the highest position in the nation and he could not under any circumstances let the people down and himself fail yet again.
"In a non-zero-sum game, the fortunes of both parties can rise and fall together. The best type of non-zero-sum game is a win-win situation, where both parties benefit from a deal."
For PM10 and the President of UMNO, setting aside principles for now, this is the best option possible, where both would be able to hold their heads high and walk away from the negotiating table clearly seen as winners.
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