Political analysts: Umno leaders made right decision

PETALING JAYA: The decision by Umno ministers to remain in Cabinet has been described as positive and the right decision by political analysts.

Md Shukri Shuib described the move as a positive indication that there was room for cooperation between the coalition members in Perikatan Nasional.

“Civil servants and the people need a Cabinet that works together.

“Without the resignations, it shows that Umno is still able to compromise for the good of the people and nation, ” he said when contacted yesterday.

Md Shukri of Universiti Utara Malaysia noted that managing the Covid-19 pandemic was more than just a health and vaccination issue.

“It also involves legal, welfare and security aspects that are interrelated with regard to the nation’s resilience.

“National resilience needs to be first ensured before any resignations occur to prevent Malaysia from collapsing in the face of the pandemic, ” he said.

Md Shukri also said that Umno would be at a loss if a good number of its leaders in the Cabinet resigned.

“At the moment, the Umno Cabinet ministers are an asset to their party.

“Being part of the administration means they continue to have power and ability to work for the people and nation, ” he added.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the Umno leaders’ decision to remain in Cabinet was in line with the party’s decision to support Perikatan until August this year or pending the dissolution of Parliament.

“I think the party has to be fair to the ministers who are serving the nation during this difficult time.

“If they are forced to resign, it will also have a negative impact on the party, ” he said when contacted.

He added that Umno members might also want their leaders to focus on issues related to the nation’s well-being rather than politicking.

Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod of the International Islamic University Malaysia also concurred that the decision by the Umno ministers to remain in Cabinet was the “right one”.

“While it was not wrong for some in Umno to call for their resignation, the Umno ministers were right not to resign.

“Their priority is clear on serving the government of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as their appointment was by the King, ” he said.

He also said that resignations of the Umno ministers would have sent a negative message to foreign investors.

“It would have caused more harm than good if they had resigned especially when the nation is faced with the pandemic, ” he added.