Muhyiddin gains political lifeline with budget approval but what's next?

KUALA LUMPUR: Following weeks of uncertainty, Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s first national budget was passed at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday with a narrow majority, throwing a political lifeline to the prime minister who faced strong resistance since he assumed leadership nine months ago.

We ask political analysts if the Budget 2021, passed with a 111-108 vote with one absentee, is a true yardstick of confidence towards Muhyiddin’s leadership and what are the hurdles ahead for him in 2021.

Prof Dr Jeniri Amir, Senior fellow at the Malaysian Council of Professors

• On Budget: “It shows that the opposition failed in their mission and agenda to thwart the Budget 2020. This means that the government has the upper hand. Perikatan National and Muhyiddin have the political and moral legitimacy despite the fact that Anwar Ibrahim and the opposition said they will ensure the government fails to pass the budget.

"But based on the last few weeks, at the policy, committee and third budget readings, the opposition is clearly divided and failed in their mission.

On key hurdles ahead for Muhyiddin: “He needs to fulfill whatever that was promised in the Budget 2021 and to ensure it can be implemented to tackle issues of economy, health and COVID-19. His biggest hurdle is to create more jobs.

“Political stability is also very important. He needs to make sure he can sustain support from allies, UMNO in particular. I believe UMNO won’t keep quiet based on what has transpired. There is no choice for Muhyiddin except to fulfill demands by UMNO.

Prof Sivamurugan Pandian, Political Analyst at Universiti Sains Malaysia

• On Budget: “The budget is not a direct yardstick to evaluate the level of confidence towards the PM’s leadership. However, it gives a boost to his moral and political legitimacy when (the budget) passes through. Nevertheless, if it failed yesterday, he may have to resign and vacate his position although he need not do so.

On key hurdles ahead for Muhyiddin: “Instability and uncertainty continues as it was a razor-thin majority. The debate on his leadership legitimacy will continue especially among the opposition front who might want to see a snap poll as soon as the COVID-19 is under control.

“The next sitting for Parliament is April 2021 and I don’t think they want to wait till then to put a ‘vote of no confidence’ motion against the PM. He might also face internal bickering among the coalition members and whether he can sustain the internal support remains one of the biggest challenges for himself and PPBM.

Prof Dr Hamidin Hamid, Ilham Center Research Fellow

• On Budget: “The passing of votes for the budget should and could not be regarded as a yardstick of confidence towards Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s leadership. Too many factors, other than his leadership, strongly contributed to the votes.

On key hurdles ahead for Muhyiddin: He listed five main hurdles; continuous challenges/demands from UMNO, a clear and structured coalition with other parties especially UMNO and PAS, seat Negotiations, distribution of power between parties and the general election

Tricia Yeoh, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) CEO

• On Budget: “The passing of the budget is one indicator that Muhyiddin commands the confidence of Parliament. There may, however, be other reasons for which the MPs would have felt compelled to support the Budget. For instance ensuring the government expenditures are secured for 2021, particularly important during this time of the pandemic and worrying economic conditions. Given the circumstances, Muhyiddin's leadership seems to be strengthened vis-a-vis the opposition.