“M for Malaysia,” is a biopic produced by a young Malaysian depicting the life and struggle of Tun Mahathir during the infamous 2018 election which saw a momentous victory to Pakatan Harapan. So after all the positive and great reviews, as a person with high nationalism spirit, I told myself that I must not miss watching this highly anticipated movie. But true what people say, that looks can be deceiving so they say. So much hype for a so – so movie. I was disappointed.
The movie got me reflecting who should best lead the administration after the fall of PH. With the RAHMAN theory and M for Malaysia chant which sounds perfectly right, who would be the perfect fit to manoeuvre Malaysia to the next level, standing high together with other developed nations.
2020 was indeed a year full with trial and tribulations. Just when we thought 2020 would be the year where cars could fly (pun intended) and Vision 2020 finally came to fruition, we were then tested with the sudden resignation of Tun Mahathir as the Prime Minister of Malaysia. For a moment, Malaysia was Prime Minister-less! We saw the King played his part well here, managing the situation the best he could whilst being close to the rakyat and the media, especially when he would personally handover bags of McDonalds to reporters and journalists waiting in scorching sun outside the palace. Malaysians need to be well informed and he did just that.
With a blink of an eye, Malaysia was then introduced to Muhyiddin Yassin, the 8th Prime Minister that replaced Tun M. For a brief, Malaysians could finally breathe again after the shock it gave us. To some, it came as a surprise, but to some, he fits the bill. His image further garnered attention (positively) the moment he prostrated to show sign of gratitude. 1 brownie point for him!
Born in Muar, Johor, TSMY came from a prominent family. His late father, Tuan Guru Haji Muhammad Yassin Muhammad was a prominent religious figure (ulama) who founded religious school that is still running till today. With such background, it came to no surprise that he inherited the good traits, one of them being humble. He was once Pagoh’s parliamentary member and helmed the seat as Johor’s Menteri Besar from 1986 till 1995.
Even though he did not come for a socialite family background, he however managed to position himself in the Johor Civil Service, a public service that is deemed elite and only those with the right qualifications and title would be considered in. So there must be something good about TSMY here.
A person who believes in high integrity, TSMY was removed from the administration due to his strong stand against the 1MDB scandal. Prior to that, his political life started in 1978 as the parliamentary member of Pagoh, before being appointed in 1986 to hold the Menteri Besar Johor post. During his UMNO and Barisan Nasional days, he was also trusted to hold positions as BN’s Deputy Chairman and UMNO’s Vice President. From 2009 till 2015, he was Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and held various portfolios in the cabinet. So it came as no surprise for someone with vast background and reputable image to be selected as Malaysia’s 8th Prime Minister.
In 2018 however, TSMY was diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer which forced him to undergo operation to remove 40% of his organ (pancreas). Having to go through chemotherapy, he was finally declared free from cancer in 2019. Surely the journey was tough on anyone, especially so for someone that has a huge responsibility on his shoulder. But as the saying goes, ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ TSMY came out stronger than ever.
For only wanting the truth, he was heavily criticised by even his own comrades on 1MDB’s transactions, to the extent of being fired. Truth hurts people say.
A wingman. TSMY has always been the person that stands loyally beside his leader. Him being in the premiership to replace the 7th Prime Minister was never in the picture. He came as a surprise, to say the least. Who would have thought right?
Perhaps it’s still too early to give full recognition for his effort in leading Malaysia, especially so in times where globally we are hit hard by the pandemic. But within this 1 year frame, credit should be given for his leadership and strategy that allowed Malaysia at one point recorded a single digit figure in combatting the pandemic battle.
Since its independence, Malaysia was led by Prime Ministers who came from various backgrounds. An interesting one to say the least. Their persona and traits made their leadership different and impactful. Known to be a person that prefers to walk the talk, TSMY focus and attention is always for the betterment of the rakyat and Malaysia as a whole. Confronted with criticism, heckling, noises from all level of society, personal tribulations, all of these, but the man remains calm and composed, and that is the test of true leadership.
** The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of M-Update
