Abdul Razak Hussein vs Muhyiddin Yassin

As Deputy Prime Minister, Abdul Razak Hussein played a key role in restoring order after the May 13 racial riots. He declared a state of emergency and suspended Parliament, leading to the establishment of the National Operations Council that governed until 1971.

As Prime Minister, Abdul Razak Hussein launched the New Economic Policy (NEP), a 20-year plan aimed at reducing poverty and restructuring society to eliminate the association of race with economic function. The NEP favored Bumiputera (Malay) economic advancement.

Abdul Razak Hussein expanded the Alliance Party into the Barisan Nasional (National Front), a broader coalition of multi-racial parties. This coalition dominated Malaysian politics for decades, ensuring political stability but also concentrating power.

Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed as the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia on March 1, 2020, after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government. He formed the Perikatan Nasional coalition government amid the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 18, 2020, Muhyiddin's government imposed the Movement Control Order (MCO), a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. The MCO restricted travel, closed businesses and schools, and was extended multiple times, significantly impacting Malaysia's economy and society.

Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as Prime Minister on August 16, 2021, after losing a parliamentary majority. His government faced defections and opposition challenges, leading to a political crisis. He was succeeded by Ismail Sabri Yaakob.