Murmurs of discontent in Umno as Muhyiddin ponders cabinet list

Following Perikatan Nasional’s coup to seize power in Putrajaya, one of the items on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s to-do list would be to pick his new cabinet.

Amid speculation on who would be a part of Muhyiddin’s cabinet, murmurs of discontent can be heard from Umno.

A source close to the party leadership told Malaysiakini that some are uncomfortable with rumours on who would be appointed deputy prime minister and other senior cabinet posts.

In particular, they are said to be uncomfortable with the fact that former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali is among the personalities touted for top positions.

“Umno has the most seats in the Dewan Rakyat, so it should be more qualified and has a stronger claim on top positions.

“Even if someone from Umno is chosen, I’m sure that person won’t be (Umno president) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi because he is surely aware of the people’s sentiments,” the source said, referring to more than 50 charges of corruption, criminal breach of trust, and abuse of power against Zahid.

The source pointed out that this was the main issue of contention among Umno leaders.

Further fuelling speculation of discontent amongst the Umno leadership was a tweet by Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa yesterday.

“One of the reasons for Pakatan Harapan’s downfall is their failure to manage between the prime minister’s personal idealism and the aspirations of the component parties," he said.

“They forget we are not a republic, but a Westminster-style democracy. These are vastly different systems. We are also not a one-party system, but of loose coalitions.

“If it is not managed properly, believe me, Perikatan Nasional will break Harapan’s record as the shortest-lived government!

“Any turmoil now would mean the Parliament must be dissolved and a snap election must be held.

“We will strengthen Muafakat Nasional and we will not be careless with the power that we have now,” Annuar added.

Muafakat Nasional is a formal cooperation between Umno and PAS, and does not involve Muhyiddin nor his faction in Bersatu.

Several social media posts also reflected Umno’s discontent over the matter.

One posting said: “We have reached out our hands. If it is not received with sincerity, then we should just withdraw everything. This is a simple equation.”

Muhyiddin’s maiden address to the nation as prime minister on March 2 also caused discomfort among some Umno leaders. In the address, he said he would only appoint those who are "clean" and have "integrity" to his cabinet.

Another source told Malaysiakini that Muhyiddin’s speech gave the impression that Umno is troubled.

Nevertheless, the source said negotiations with Muhyiddin "is going smoothly, so far".

“I am confident that the matter will be resolved with wisdom between the prime minister and the (party) president, especially on the formation of the cabinet,” the source said.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Umno supreme council member Armand Azha Abu Hanifah denied that there was discontent amongst party leaders.

He said certain quarters were deliberately creating the perception of discontent.

“Everything is going on smoothly, it’s just (negative) perception. There are no issues.

“So, let the prime minister decide and we will respect his decision,” he told Malaysiakini.

Veteran Umno Club secretary-general Mustapha Yaakub said party members should not pine for any government positions, including in the cabinet.

Instead, they should solidly back Muhyiddin as prime minister.

“In my view, Umno members don't need to accept any post in this new government, we should just focus on strengthening Muafakat Nasional.

“Any decision should be discussed with PAS,” he said when contacted.