Succeeding Malaysia’s nonagenarian premier

Mahathir is the prime minister Malaysia had to have. Love him or hate him there is a vacuum of potential prime ministerial talent in Malaysian politics today. If one looks around the talent pool inside the current parliament, there aren’t many who would make a strong and capable prime minister. Some, their time has passed, while others their time could be in the future. There are two large groups in the community. One that believes Mahathir must see out his full term. Another that believes Anwar should be made prime minister as soon as possible.

There are a lot of people out there who see Anwar as the great hope. This halo effect could lead to great disappointment if Anwar finally becomes prime minister. It’s hard to live up to a myth. On the other side there is a growing number of Pakatan MPs who believe it’s in the national interest to block Anwar from becoming prime minister.

For Pakatan who is prime minister is not as important as is how they can defeat the viable UMNO-PAS alliance at the next election. UMNO-PAS would much rather deal with Anwar on the hustings next general election than face Mahathir. But Mahathir, at age 94, isn’t going to last forever. 

Pakatan really has to think this one out.