Have you ever heard anyone has something good to say about Najib? People have described Badawi as a gentleman, an amicable person, a nice guy. Even Mahathir has his admirers, people loving him for his guts and being an ultranationalist in his younger days. Najib is more like an accidental Prime Minister by default, made in ‘shotgun’ scenario. The timing of this succession was neither his choosing nor a covert takeover planned by him. In fact, timing of the handover is most unfortunate and untimely, in the midst of an unprecedented economic downturn, in a political landscape marred with domestic politics at boiling point.
With every transition of power from one leader to another, a short honeymoon period is normally accorded, giving some allowance for benefits of the doubts. Unfortunately for Najib, there won’t be any and it would be judgement from day one. This is to be expected as he has never played his hand in politics. He has not shown the public who he is and what he stood for. He was never popular in public, neither is he controversial. That’s because he chooses to remain silent or takes a low profile while he was a minister or deputy PM. During the contest between Mahathir and Razaleigh for UMNO leadership, he was described as a ‘lallang’ politician, meaning he tends to blend with the wind. Staying on the sideline seems to be his favoured mode. In reality he’s just playing safe politics.
All Malaysians know he is the son of Malaysia 2nd Prime Minister Abdul Razak. He spent 8 years in Britain to complete his law degree. So he belongs to the aristocratic class. Lately most Malaysian heard rumours relating him to the murdered Mongolian model Altantuya.
His ascension to the top will come with many obstacles and difficulties. There is great public mistrust in the government and public has very negatives opinions of the civil services. The public are also very sceptical of the Judiciary as well as public security personnel. On top of all these, a resurgent opposition led by his former colleague Anwar Ibrahim is riding on a wave of discontent. They will continuously antagonise, distract and challenge his government at every point of time. The opposition will mount pressure on him, giving him plenty of anxiety to worry for the 3 by-elections coming up soon.
Then there is also this global economic crisis that is sending Malaysia into recession. With mounting unemployment and a large young population graduating from schools, the task ahead is enormous. Its cash cow during the boom time, oil and oil palm has seen the prices collapsed.
If problem with the opposition is not enough, he has to deal with the internal politics within UMNO as well as components parties of BN. There is no end to squabbling with various parties who are expected to serve its constituency and represent its own race. Just how is he going to manage the various factions within UMNO, pacify the various UMNO wings, fairly distribute and hand out contracts to the various interested groups? How is he going to convince UMNO members who have been privileged and pampered that change and reform mean giving up material wealth. With all the fiery speeches he made about reform, he has to be careful not to allow these speeches to return to haunt him.
He too has to be mindful not to further alienate the senior politicians like Mahathir, Razaleigh and Taib. Yet he cannot be seen to take order or advice from Mahathir. That would reinforce his image as a spineless PM. Perception wise, it is critical and vital he is seen to lead, not led. He has no choice but to keep his mentor, Mahathir in check for his own survival. The opposition is just waiting for this opportunity to paint him as a weak leader and destroy him if he is led and not leading.
The new PM will also be tested on his toughness in many areas. When will it be appropriate to deploy the draconian ISA.? Will he allow peaceful demonstration? Will he tolerate the internet? What will he do to those who continue smear campaign against him and UMNO? How will he handle racial and religious disputes? With 3 by-elections around, we should have a clearer picture of the Najib.
As for international relations, he will find some relief to take a breather. Almost all neighbouring countries are just too preoccupied with their own economic and domestic problem. Unlikely anyone will have the time to interfere with Malaysia.
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