Datuk Seri Johari Ghani: New PM Must Have No Long-Term Political Ambitions

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"At present, every economic indicator in the country shows a negative outlook," he told Free Malaysia Today.

Johari pointed out that Malaysia's latest gross domestic product (GDP) forecast will remain stagnant for the rest of the year.

"Unemployment is rising again, salary and household incomes are plunging, and consumption and investments are slowing down."

He warned that it will be extremely difficult for the country if nothing is done to contain the damage now, adding that political uncertainty will only exacerbate matters.

"The interim prime minister must be someone who harbours no political ambitions beyond the current parliamentary term," Johari suggested.

"An overly ambitious leader will always be looking to extend his tenure beyond the next general elections, which in turn will maintain or even increase the present heightened political temperature."

The UMNO Supreme Council member called for all political leaders and elected representatives to put the nation first and set aside party ideology and personal ambition to achieve it as soon as possible.

According to him, should any coalition succeed at the moment, it will be with too slim a majority and too fragile a government for anyone to lead.

"In addition, the prospective leader will have to contend with the political and personal agendas of each and every political party and leader making up the ruling coalition," he said.

"This will put an unnecessary additional burden on the next prime minister, as was the case in the last administration."

The immediate priority must be to intensify efforts in the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme to achieve herd immunity.

"Our country needs a break from its current political narrative," he said.