In politics, trust is less important than benefits, says analyst
Political analyst Syaza Shukri argues that political alliances are driven more by mutual benefits than by genuine trust. She notes that Malaysian political leaders often maintain working relationships despite deep-seated reservations.
Why it matters
Understanding the transactional nature of political coalitions is essential for interpreting the stability and future of the Malaysian government.
Former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the trust between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has deteriorated but analyst Syaza Shukri pointed out that in politics, such faith is never absolute.
PETALING JAYA: In politics, the benefits that can be derived from working together have greater value than trust in one’s partners, according to an analyst.
Academic Syaza Shukri is of the view that politicians never fully trust each other anyway, even when they are working together. “Trust is conditional between political parties,” she told FMT.
Syaza, of the International Islamic University Malaysia, said reservations between political leaders do not necessarily prevent them from working together, citing PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s relationship with his Umno counterpart, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“So, it matters less whether other political parties trust Zahid when working with his party benefits them,” she added.
Syaza Shukri.
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