Looking at the possible successors to Najib... uninspiring... even worrisome

Logically, as DPM, Muhyiddin is supposed to take Najib's place for whatever reason he is out of office. But Muhyiddin's 'I'm Malay first' though not unexpected from a leader in race-based Umno, will certainly put off many who are for Malaysian Malaysia.

Next in line is Zahid Hamidi, having gained highest votes among the 3 Vice Presidents of Umno. But this brash and rash minister, has been making one politically incorrect statement after another, and even sent a good reference letter to the FBI to support a Malaysian under investigation for running an illegal casino, would send shivers to some of us if he were to be PM.

Next comes Hishamuddin Hussein Onn (or better known as H2O), cousin of PM Najib, son of our third PM. Like his cousin, being son of our second PM, his pedigree is impeccable, but his performance uninspiring. Some people might be impressed by his excellent English especially as Acting Transport Minister at daily press conferences (MH 370), faced with an array of video cameras and international journalists. His ability to handle such press conferences has been honed from his years of education in Britain and years of experience as minister of education, home affairs and defence.

Being an all-rounder, he seems best suited to take over from Najib. But he has to contend with accusations of nepotism and continuation of political dynasties, something most Malaysians would not see as a problem, being used to such politics.

For the past 57 years, we have a system in which the President of Umno (later Umno Baru) inevitably becomes Prime Minister of Malaysia. It is not going to change so long as Umno and Barisan Nasional remain in power.

The most credible opposition alliance, Pakatan Rakyat, is now faced with the possibility of having their leader behind bars, come February 10, when Federal Court delivers its verdict. How this will affect the next General Election is anybody's guess. It can either be a stronger PR with Anwar still at its helm, or even a much stronger PR supported by public sympathy if Anwar is put behind bars again.

All over the world, people are surprised at how an opposition leader had been charged for sodomy twice over 16 years. How low can we go?
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