Removing the Malaysian Prime Minister Without a General Election is Not the Real Solution
Islam Alone is the Solution to the Problems of the Ummah
(Translated)
News:
On July 26, 2025, Malaysia witnessed a massive demonstration demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The demonstration was attended by supporters of the opposition, non-governmental organizations, and ordinary people dissatisfied with what they considered leadership failures. Many expressed their belief that Anwar Ibrahim is responsible for exacerbating the difficulties faced by the people. While some argued that the Prime Minister can only be changed through elections, former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad insisted on the possibility of removing any Prime Minister in office without waiting for a general election. His statements sparked widespread controversy, exacerbating political divisions between supporters of the government and the opposition.
Comment:
The protests highlighted a deep discontent among Malaysians, but replacing the Malaysian Prime Minister without addressing the roots of national problems will not solve the crisis. The leader operates within a framework of governance, and if the system itself is corrupt, no individual - regardless of his honesty or good intentions - can bring about real reform. Malaysia's history, which has witnessed fifteen general elections, shows that leadership changes have consistently failed to solve the pressing problems in the economy, politics, education, and social life. Each new government comes with promises of improvement, but the reality of the people remains largely the same, as the existing system continues to produce the same results. Some view demonstrations and so-called people power as alternatives to change. However, the experiences of other Muslim-majority countries reveal the weaknesses of this path. The Arab Spring and the events in Bangladesh toppled regimes, but they did not establish justice or stability because they were not based on Islam. The fall of one government paved the way for another, while corruption, oppression, and systemic failures continued. Moreover, demonstrations often unite diverse groups with conflicting goals, making it impossible to formulate a clear and unified direction after success. In many cases, foreign powers exploit the resulting instability to achieve their own agendas, leaving the people without any real progress.
To achieve real transformation, the focus must shift from individuals to the system itself. The Prophetic model of change offers the only true guidance. When the Prophet ﷺ began his call in Mecca, he did not call for the violent overthrow of the Quraish system, but rather focused on building the correct creed and nurturing individuals with firm conviction. Islamic rule did not fully emerge until the people of Medina adopted him as their leader. This state, guided by revelation, replaced the injustice of pre-Islamic ignorance with justice, equity, and prosperity, and lasted for nearly 1300 years, benefiting Muslims and non-Muslims alike who lived under it.
The lesson for Malaysia is clear: changing leaders or parties will not solve the crises facing the Ummah, because the basic framework of governance remains the same. Demonstrations or elections, while providing a temporary outlet for popular anger, cannot remove structural flaws. Real and lasting solutions can only be achieved by restoring the Islamic system of governance based on the method of the Messenger ﷺ. This path requires patience, certainty, and commitment to political advocacy with strong reliance on Allah Almighty, but it is the only path that guarantees justice, stability, and true prosperity for the people.
Written for the Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir
Dr. Muhammad – Malaysia