As Malaysia’s six prime minister begins his tenure, the political prophecy of Malaysia’s leader has been fulfilled. The significance of every letter in the name RAHMAN – Malaysia’s father of independence, represents each of her past and current prime ministers.
Malaysia’s current prime minister, Najib Razak succeeded Abdullah Badawi after a power transition plan in UMNO, the major political party in the National Front coalition. As UMNO faces its crisis after 52 years of leadership, Malaysians are skeptic about the nation’s future. Corruptions and contentment in political leaders poses a major problem to the nation. The premier was linked with a series of allegations and controversies about religious issues, the murder of a Mongolian model and conspiracies.
The RAHMAN sequence was pointed out in the media during the third prime minister tenure, Hussien Onn. Although some would regard the sequence as a mere coincidence with Malaysia’s premier, the prophecy for the nation lives until today.
Family politics in the line
The political scene in Malaysia has been running in family lines. All four former premiers have close family members in UMNO. Although Malaysia is a democratic nation, the families influence may have instill political leadership and inspiration.
Following his father footsteps, Najib involvement in politics begins early at the age of 23. His father, Abdul Razak was the second prime minister of Malaysia. Najib family members are also relatives of Malaysia’s third premier, Hussein Onn. His cousin was a minister while his younger brother is the chief executive of Malaysia’s second largest bank.
Some Malaysians do accept that family politics does not show political monarchy, as the elected prime minster requires a mandate from the people. However, some argue that family involvement in politics is linked with dictatorship and corruption. Various media have reported that family ties do take root in Malaysian political scene.
After the prophecy
With the fulfillment of the RAHMAN prophecy, the nation’s future is still yet to be determined. Everyone has a different opinion on this issue. However, Malaysians do look forward for better nation and improvements under the new prime minister.
Najib urge Malaysians to rise to build one nation with people placed first in mind in his first remarks after taking office “We must reach out to the many who may have been disaffected and left confused by political games, deceit and showmanship,” he said in his speech. With more than 30 years of experience in politics, Najib Razak has held many ministerial portfolios throughout his adulthood with dedication to public service.