Muhyiddin goes for sustainable leadership

Mahathir: ‘Leaders perceived as sincere and dedicated to the well-being of the people and the nation typically receive stronger support from the public.’

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s manner of prioritising consensus and collective discussions has not only strengthened Perikatan Nasional but also set an example of mature and responsible leadership, says FT Perikatan information chief Mahathir Mohd Rais.

“Good leadership, as demonstrated by Muhyiddin, requires the ability to adapt to circumstances and an inclusive vision, as well as manage in a fair manner.

“A good leader is not only effective in managing his or her duties and responsibilities but also capable of nurturing and producing better leaders,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Mahathir: ‘Leaders perceived as sincere and dedicated to the well-being of the people and the nation typically receive stronger support from the public.’

Responding to veteran politician Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad’s view that Muhyiddin should have been the Opposition leader instead of handing it to Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Mahathir said Hamzah’s appointment was a result of a consensus from all.

He said Muhyiddin’s move should be seen from a broader perspective.

“It reflects the concept of sustainable leadership, in which a leader is not only focused on current achievements but also ensures that future generations of leaders are equipped with the skills, knowledge and aspirations to continue the struggle,” he said.

Mahathir pointed out that Muhyiddin values the importance of cooperation and shared agreement in the leadership process, which may initially appear detrimental, but every move has a deeper purpose.

“Sincerity is crucial in building trust and support from the people. Leaders perceived as sincere and dedicated to the well-being of the people and the nation typically receive stronger support from the public,” said Mahathir.On Saturday, Shahrir said Perikatan would not have lost the support of four of its MPs if Muhyiddin had helmed the Opposition in the Dewan Rakyat.

Shahrir: ‘If (Muhyiddin), as Perikatan chairman, had taken up the Opposition leader’s post, he would surely have been able to lead Perikatan MPs.’

“If (Muhyiddin), as Perikatan chairman, had taken up the Opposition leader’s post, he would surely have been able to lead Perikatan MPs. The presence of their leaders on the front lines during political battles inside the Dewan Rakyat would have encouraged them,” he said.

As such, Shahrir believed that was the reason why the four MPs were not hesitant about switching their support to the ruling government.

“I’m sure they are not really close or well acquainted with Muhyiddin, who is the top leader of their party.

“He should have been the Opposition leader,” he said in a Facebook post.

Shahrir claimed that a similar situation occurred when Umno and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi handed over the Opposition leader’s position to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

This led to confusion within Umno and Barisan, which ended up with Ismail Sabri, then Umno vice-president, becoming Prime Minister.

Shahrir said Muhyiddin now had “fewer buttons to press”.

“Who has bigger authority? MP or party?” he asked.

The answer, he said, lies with the leadership.

“Leadership of the party, leadership in the House,” he added.