No 2’s thinking Vs No 1’s heart

Writer: Huang Zhi Chen

China Press, May 28, 2015

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir has been sharp in his attack against PM Najib in the recent two months.

Besides giving Najib the slaps, he even told Najib directly he was worse than Pak Lah. Indirectly, Pak Lah also got it for no apparent reason. However, despite the fierce attack, Najib did not say bye-bye and made no major counter attack. On the other hand, Najib seems to be stuck, making answers which sound hollow.

When it’s time to defend the boss, many in the supporting cast made their appearances. Dr Mahathir looks alone but you can never say there is no crocodile in calm water. DPM Muhyiddin’s moves have been closely watched and drawn speculation. Is he plotting to topple Najib? I didn’t say it but let us look at the evolution of events:

On April 9 when Dr Mahathir stepped up his pressure campaign and said that Barisan would lose if Najib did not step down, Muhyiddin made his first statement in support of Najib, asking Dr Mahathir to allow Najib to do it his way for the interest of all the people.

On April 19, when Dr Mahathir said he was fighting a lonely battle, Muhyiddin told him, “You are not alone!” in reference to Dr Mahathir’s guts in telling the truth and fighting against the powerful. There was an uproar as people were speculating what he actually meant.

On April 28, Najib, in launching the Pemandu annual report, vowed that there would be no surrender. He said he and Muhyiddin would work hand in hand and like Bugis warriors, there would be no turning back despite the storms.

On May 9, when it was revealed that Tabung Haji had purchased a piece of land from 1MDB at a high price, Muhyiddin demanded an explanation from the Finance Ministry headed by the PM, and Tabung Haji in order to allay the worries of Tabung Haji members.

On May 11, Najib emphasized at the UMNO supreme council meeting that he and Muhyiddin were of one heart. They were honest with one another and nobody could split them.

On May 21, a leaked video clip showed Muhyiddin telling a closed-door UMNO meeting that 1MDB directors and CEO must be sacked. He further said the 1MDB issue must be solved fast or it will be the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Ensnarled by issues relating to 1MDB, the murder of Mongolian girl, the lavish lifestyle and purchase of a special jet, Najib is already frowning. What more when Dr Mahathir has openly named Muhyiddin as the successor.
Traditionally, the No 2 is in line to take over. However, if Muhyiddin is already eyeing the throne when Najib shows no intention to step down, the PM must be feeling a bit nervous.

Just when Muhyiddin had slapped Najib on his shoulder and assured him that there was nothing to worry about, he told Dr Mahathir “You are not alone.” And just after Najib held up Muhyiddin’s hand and vowed that he would not surrender, Muhyiddin turned around and said, “Sack him.”

Muhyiddin’s unpredictable attitude has aroused curiosity as to what would be his next move. That really tests how stout is Najib’s heart.

Original Source:
老二的肚腸vs老大的心臟