Sin Chew Daily

PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as Malaysia's eighth prime minister at Istana Negara Sunday morning.

The latest development signals the end of the six-day political tug-of-war following the resignation of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad last Monday. His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong has appointed Muhyiddin in accordance with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

His Majesty was of the opinion that this was the best decision for the country and hoped the appointment could put to a stop the week-long political chaos. He also said the country needed a government as soon as possible to ensure harmony for the nation and her people.

The power struggle has come to a rest for the time being and members of the public must get down to work again and not to waste their time over the divergent political views they have.

As for the new opposition parties, they will have to fight for their right rationally through legitimate procedures and make sure that everything they do is constitutional.

The new government is taking office against the backdrop of decelerated global economy and coronavirus outbreak. The responsibility upon the new government is understandably very heavy given such daunting challenges.

The new government will be put up by parties holding very diverse political philosophies and objectives, many without the experience in a coalition. That said, there are many experienced former cabinet members and even members in the immediate past cabinet. As such, the new coalition under Muhyiddin will need a brand new leadership model to guide the new administration in order to bring prosperity to the nation.

The multi-party coalition government will take time to come into agreement and this is veritably a mounting internal challenge. As for the external challenge, the new government needs to relieve the current economic pressure and liberate Malaysia from the scourge of coronavirus. This will be the first major test for the Muhyiddin administration.

Muhyiddin himself is a highly experienced political leader, having served as MB and in various ministries. Without the slightest doubt, he is well familiar with the modus operandi of the federal as well as state administrations and this should help him set up an effective cabinet speedily to spearhead the country's development.

The biggest problem he will have to face is the economic gloom hovering above the country. It is hoped that after the country has slowly healed from the current political crisis, the new government will be able to lure more foreign investors who are now closely watching our political developments.