Mahathir Versus Muhyiddin

The political upheaval which happened earlier this year has changed the political landscape in the country upside down with the narration shifting from “Mahathir vs. Anwar” to “Mahathir vs. Muhyiddin”.

 

 

May 18 arrives. The result of the parliamentary session was rather amusing.

 

Although Muhyiddin commanded majority support of the House, the difference is only a wafer thin of two with the former premier, Mahathir Mohamed.

 

Muhyiddin goes down in history as a PM who was named with the slimmest majority after Dr. Mahathir Mohamed in the 14th General Election (10-seat majority).

 

When we look at the Influencer’s list of Parliament after May 18, it can be observed that there is a strong voice rallying behind Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

 

 

Pakatan Harapan leaders such as Anwar Ibrahim and Khalid Samad share similar sentiment as Tun Mahathir with regards to Muhyiddin’s new government implying that the latter is in “fear”.

 

Anwar Ibrahim appears fourth with 281 statements, while Khalid Samad at seventh with 226 statements.

 

 

During this time, it can be observed that negative sentiment revolving around the parliament after the May 18 sitting is comparatively higher than the days before the day leading up to the parliamentary sitting.

 

Debate on the no-confidence vote against Muhyiddin heightens at this point with the oppositions speaking against PN.

 

 

The situation heats up in July when the ruling party move to oust Speaker, Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusoff on July 13.

 

Mahathir viewed it as a “defense” move by Muhyiddin in response to the former’s no-confidence against the latter.

 

The Langkawi MP accused Muhyiddin of deliberately removing any one or any thing who is in his way and does not support him.

 

This marked the first time a sitting Speaker was voted out.