'Politicians - do not think about yourself, think about the people!' - Rais Hussin

Emir Research Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff said it is time for politicians to stop bickering amongst themselves and focus on stabilising the country instead.

“We need to stabilise many things. Two important things we always used as a benchmark is our currency, which is taking a huge hit. Second, is the stock market.

“Do not think about yourself, think about the people. You are given a responsibility or amanah,” said Jahaberdeen on Consider This on Sunday.

“Please do what is right for the people. If you do that, I think we’ll have a better chance. If you keep on politicking, the people will suffer.”

On Sunday, Muhyiddin emerged as Prime Minister after infighting triggered the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan ruling coalition.

Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad insisted he has the majority support from Dewan Rakyat and has called for an urgent sitting of Parliament.

The power struggle has put Malaysia’s economic outlook at risk.

It is, however still uncertain if Muhyiddin’s administration will carry out a RM20 billion stimulus package, announced prior to PH’s collapse to address the impact of COVID-19.

Apart from economic concerns, Muhyiddin also needs to address the rakyat’s concerns towards a government made up of predominantly Malay-based parties, says lawyer Datuk Sri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.

“It is equally important to (address) the general dignity of the rakyat. Some of the apprehension they will be having now is that (the government) is going to be a Bumi, Islamic, Malay government. That’s already a worry and fear, not only among non-Malays but among Malays too.

“Non-malays must be comforted by this - ‘Look, we may be all Malay, Muslim - but we’ve been in Malaysia for many years and had the opportunity to mix and work with other alliances. For example, BERSATU, Pas and UMNO have worked with other race-based parties.

"So, we have the experience,’ Jaharberdeen illustrated, when asked about the ‘quick wins’ Muhyiddin can do to stabilise the country and Malaysians dissatisfied with the outcome of the political turmoil.

“I believe many urban Malays are also worried if the new government will be ‘ultra’ Islamist kind of government. They will not like it as well. These are the two issues, apart from economic issues, that the present government will have to address,” said Jahaberdeen on Consider This.