Why did Perikatan Nasional appoint Azhar Azizan Harun as Speaker?

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Perikatan Nasional Appointed Azhar Azizan Harun as Speaker to Vacate the Election Commission Chairmanship and Enhance Government Image

Analysts suggest that Perikatan Nasional's (PN) appointment of Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun as Dewan Rakyat Speaker was strategically motivated by a desire to vacate the Election Commission (EC) chairmanship. This move would allow for the installation of a new EC chief perceived as more amenable to the ruling bloc, while simultaneously aiming to improve the government's standing by appealing to the liberal middle class.
Facilitating a Friendly EC Appointment

A primary driver behind Azhar's elevation to Speaker is believed to be the intention to clear the path for a new Election Commission chairman who aligns more closely with the ruling coalition's interests. The previous EC chairman, Azhar himself, had initiated reforms aimed at creating a more equitable electoral system and implementing safeguards against potential abuses. His departure from the EC could potentially reverse or stall these reform efforts, returning the commission to a state where its actions might be more favourable to the incumbent government. This strategic replacement is seen as a way to ensure the EC's operational framework serves the ruling bloc's objectives.
Appealing to the Liberal Middle Class

Beyond the EC chairmanship, PN leaders are thought to have identified Azhar's public persona as a valuable asset for image enhancement. Azhar was perceived as a "liberal darling" with a degree of popularity among the middle class. By appointing him to a prominent position like Speaker, PN aimed to leverage this popularity to bolster the new government's image among a segment of the electorate that is often critical. This strategy mirrors past instances where technocrats and respected figures, such as former banker Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz as Finance Minister and Mufti Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri as Minister in charge of Islamic affairs, were appointed to key ministerial roles to project pragmatism and progressiveness.
Projecting Pragmatism and Governance Seriousness

The appointment of Azhar as Speaker can be interpreted as a broader effort by the Muhyiddin-led government to project an image of seriousness about governance and reform. By selecting individuals with perceived credibility and a favourable public image, the government seeks to impress segments of the middle-class Malay voters, whose support is considered vital for parties like Parti Pribumi Malaysia. This approach is intended to convey a sense of stability and competent administration, particularly in contrast to the political instability that had previously affected the nation.
Historical Precedents in Political Strategy

The strategy of appointing figures with perceived positive attributes to enhance a government's image is not unprecedented in Malaysian politics. For example, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak adopted a reformist image in the lead-up to the 13th general election. He implemented measures such as repealing security laws and liberalising aspects of the economy to appeal to ethnic minorities and urban middle-class Malays, aiming to foster a more multiracial image for his coalition. However, the effectiveness of such strategies remains a subject of debate, with past attempts yielding mixed results and sometimes leading to a shift back towards more conservative political stances.

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Why did Perikatan Nasional appoint Azhar Azizan Harun as Speaker?

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