16/12/2025

TUESDAY | DEC 16, 2025

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Bersatu rifts deepen after Sabah defeat

‘Cabinet positions should be filled by sitting MPs’ PETALING JAYA: Political observers said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to appoint new ministers from among elected MPs rather than the Senate, amid growing pressure for the Unity government to respect voter mandates and avoid perceptions of “backdoor” power appointments. International Islamic University of Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said Cabinet positions should, as a matter of principle, be filled by MPs who have received a direct mandate from voters. “I don’t have specific names in mind, but in my view, it is better for the Cabinet to be made up of sitting MPs. “They have received the people’s mandate, and if we rely on senators who require training, it raises the question of whether voters made the wrong choice in electing their representatives.” While acknowledging that appointing senators or technocrats is constitutionally permissible and at times justified on grounds of expertise, she said such appointments could send the wrong political signal at a time when public expectations for reform remain high. “If names such as Nurul Izzah Anwar or Khairy Jamaluddin and even Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan are being mentioned, it could suggest that the current government MPs are weak. “The people want a signal that the government is serious about reform. Bringing in individuals who lost in the last general election risks giving an impression that reform and the people’s mandate are not being respected.” Syaza added that Anwar could also strengthen East Malaysian representation in the Cabinet, adding that additional ministers from Gabungan Parti Sarawak could fill the “quota” left vacant following the resignation of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Seri Ewon Benedick. “This would not only address the vacancy but also reinforce regional balance and coalition stability.” Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said prospective Cabinet appointees are most likely to come from parties that require stronger federal representation, particularly PKR and Umno, and possibly DAP or Upko to ensure regional inclusivity. “Criteria for selection would include policy competence, coalition harmony, Sabah–Sarawak representation and the need to strengthen economic related portfolios. “Anwar’s choices would be aimed at consolidating the Unity government, improving administrative performance and preparing the coalition for future electoral cycles.” Sivamurugan added that the reshuffle was expected to be limited in scope, in line with Anwar’s recent indication that only a minor Cabinet adjustment was under consideration. Echoing this view, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said political considerations within Anwar’s own party and across the ruling coalition would outweigh portfolio-specific suitability. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

o Party insiders point fingers as leadership questions resurface

Bersatu still have in Sabah?” Another issue flagged was Hamzah’s perceived effectiveness in leading the opposition. While his position as opposition leader is undisputed and his oratory skills are widely acknowledged, critics say eloquence alone does not make a prime-minister-in-waiting. Questions have also been raised about PN’s shadow cabinet, the framework meant to provide checks and balances against the Madani administration. If such a structure exists, it remains largely invisible, with most Malaysians unaware of its function or membership. Instead, certain opposition MPs have appeared more consumed by internal party disputes than by projecting PN as a credible alternative government. For Bersatu and PN, the unresolved divisions raise questions about their readiness for the next general election, due by 2027, or earlier should Johor’s state election be brought forward. Some within Bersatu point to what they see as Hamzah’s most consequential miscalculation. Another source familiar with internal negotiations said Hamzah may have overestimated his influence during talks with Gabungan Parti Sarawak, led by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. Nearly three years on, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains in power and the Opposition has yet to come close to unseating the government, even during crucial budget votes.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Internal tensions affecting Bersatu show little sign of easing, even after a recent electoral defeat that might have been expected to pull the party together. After the 17th Sabah State Election concluded, Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin ( pic ) found himself back in the firing line, cast by some within the party as the “fall guy” for alleged failures in leadership and management. Several Bersatu figures were dropped ahead of polling day, a move now being linked to PN’s defeat on Nov 29. The sluggish performance of the election machinery was blamed on a shortage of campaign funds. In Sabah, a faction led by party state secretary Yunus Nordin called for Muhyiddin’s resignation, even before a post-mortem of the loss had been tabled. A source holding senior rank within the party described the move as “a reckless attempt to stain Muhyiddin’s image before the facts are established”, dismissing the Yunus-led press conference as political theatre that “did little

Questions have also been raised about PN’s shadow cabinet, the framework meant to provide checks and balances against the Madani administration. – SUNPIC

more than air dirty laundry”. Traditionally, accountability for election outcomes rests with the election director. In PN’s case, the role is held by Bersatu deputy president and Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin ( pic ). The source also told theSun that the candidate list for the Sabah polls was allegedly handed to Muhyiddin only on the night of its announcement. “It raised questions about coordination and preparedness.”

The decision to contest 41 seats also baffled party insiders, particularly when contrasted with the 2020 state election in which PN won 17 of the 29 seats it contested. This time, contesting 41 of Sabah’s 73 seats appeared perilous, given that all previously victorious PN assemblymen, including former Sabah Bersatu chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, had joined Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. “If the leader has crossed over, logic suggests followers would have too. So what real strength did

Postponing reshuffle shows careful leadership: Analysts PETALING JAYA: Analysts said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to hold off a Cabinet reshuffle for more than six months following the departure of former Economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli signals a carefully calibrated leadership style, with political stability taking precedence over speed. She added that Anwar’s leadership approach reflects an acute awareness of the fragile nature of a Unity government, in which every decision carries political implications that extend beyond administrative efficiency. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian also described Anwar as a leader who values careful calibration over speed. He said the prolonged vacancies suggest a preference for managing competing interests rather than risking internal friction through rushed decisions. there are very few capable and presentable ministerial candidates. “The possible exception is PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar, but she has never held an executive position despite her high standing in the party.”

He suggested that Anwar faces difficulty assembling a Cabinet team from within PKR that could project competence and credibility, adding that poor appointments could revive public ridicule similar to past controversies involving certain ministries. “That would further damage both his and PKR’s political reputation. So he is almost forced to procrastinate.” Oh expressed belief that the prime minister is likely to fill the vacant posts simultaneously in the near future. He said decision-making power currently appears to rest either collectively with the Cabinet or centrally with Anwar himself, reducing the urgency to immediately replace individual ministers. “At this point, he does not seem to feel pressured to act.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

She also said Anwar’s reluctance to move quickly on a Cabinet reshuffle is also driven by a desire to avoid the perception that his administration depends on specific individuals. “In this case, the ministers resigned of their own accord rather than being instructed to step down by the prime minister. “That distinction matters politically, as Anwar would not want to be seen as reacting impulsively or reshaping the Cabinet around personalities.” Syaza said Anwar’s approach is inherently calculative, adding that while the prime minister technically has the prerogative to appoint or replace ministers without consultation, political realities require negotiation and compromise. “This is politics. Of course there has to be give and take, especially in a Unity government.”

They said Anwar appears in no rush to act, opting instead to prioritise coalition consensus within the Unity government, even if it results in prolonged vacancies in key ministerial portfolios. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the prime minister’s overriding consideration appears to be safeguarding the stability of a government built on cooperation among multiple parties with differing interests. “Anwar’s primary calculation is the stability of the government. He may not want to make hasty decisions because they could trigger a chain reaction, such as newly-appointed ministers underperforming or dissatisfaction arising among coalition partners,” she told theSun .

“The delay reflects Anwar’s methodical leadership style. He is balancing party expectations and coalition dynamics to ensure that any reshuffle strengthens policy delivery instead of weakening internal cohesion.” He added that Anwar’s approach underscores a focus on long-term political management rather than short-term optics, particularly in a complex coalition environment in which consensus-building remains critical. However, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun offered a more critical assessment, saying the delay may also stem from limited ministerial options within Anwar’s own party. “Frankly speaking, within PKR