Knowing the leadership traits of a Malaysian leader

This study focuses on the leadership traits of Muhyiddin Yassin during his tenure as Prime Minister of Malaysia. It illustrates the traits changes over a period due to several reasons, among them being the demand of time, the expectation, and leadership performance. Muhyiddin Yassin is the 8th Prime Minister succeeding Dr. Mahathir Mohamad who became the 7th Prime Minister when Pakatan Harapan gained the majority seats in the 14th General Election. On the 18th day in office, Muhyiddin announced a total lockdown of the country because of the serious threat posed by COVID-19. The number of cases surged from March 2020 but was brought under control until December 2020 when the number increased because of the Sabah state elections held in September 2020. Two nationwide face-to-face surveys were conducted on Malaysian voters asking them to identify the leadership traits of Muhyiddin Yassin. The first study was conducted in July 2020, four months after he held office and the second study was in December 2020. Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down in August 2021 after being appointed Prime Minister in March 2020. A questionnaire was administered on the respondents to make agreements to the 13 traits given. This is the first time that findings from a longitudinal study is provided for discussion