THE recent appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN) has sparked speculation that he could become the coalition’s leading figure, or ‘poster boy’, in the lead-up to the 16th General Election (PRU16).
According to Associate Professor Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim, a lecturer in Policy Studies at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia’s Westminster-style political system supports such positioning.
“Malaysia practices a Westminster-style political system that distinguishes the government from the opposition as a ‘government in waiting’.
"There is a Cabinet led by the Prime Minister and a shadow Cabinet led by the Opposition Leader. When Ahmad Samsuri is named PN chairman, it is clear he leads the largest opposition coalition.
He is also well-placed to be promoted as the ‘poster boy’ for PRU16, and it would be unusual if the PN chairman were not highlighted,” he said as reported by Berita Harian.
Dr Mohd Yusri noted that Ahmad Samsuri, who also serves as Terengganu’s Menteri Besar and Member of Parliament for Kemaman, possesses two key advantages: his leadership of the coalition and his popularity across diverse voter groups.
However, he cautioned that there are challenges to such a nomination. “Firstly, he has yet to be tested at the federal level, and his record as Terengganu Menteri Besar may not yet stand out enough to be considered a national achievement.
Secondly, having a ‘poster boy’ from the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) could risk alienating non-Malay voters due to lingering perceptions of PAS’s political stance as extreme,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of consensus among all PN component parties.
“Following previous conflicts between PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU), it remains uncertain whether BERSATU will support Ahmad Samsuri’s nomination, given that Muhyiddin Yassin was previously named as PN’s prime ministerial candidate.
Ahmad Samsuri also needs endorsement from PAS’s ulama faction. Without their support, his path could face significant obstacles.”
Political analyst Prof Kartini Aboo Talib of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia described Ahmad Samsuri as a potential candidate based on his technocratic background and administrative experience.
“He successfully led PAS to a major victory in Terengganu and now serves as PN chairman, uniting its component parties. If PAS Youth has already suggested him as a potential Prime Minister or ‘poster boy’ for the next general election, it is a natural fit.
“In terms of qualifications and experience as Menteri Besar, he is among the strongest candidates to be highlighted,” she said, while stressing that the appointment of a Prime Minister remains subject to electoral outcomes and constitutional provisions.
“Any party can propose a candidate for Prime Minister, but only the coalition that wins and forms the government will have the opportunity.
“The individual must secure the confidence of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members,” she added.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali of the Perdana Centre, Razak Faculty, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, noted that the proposal requires careful discussion to avoid internal friction within PN.
“If Dr Sam is to be proposed as the ‘poster boy’ and potential Prime Minister, this must first be discussed with BERSATU. PAS also needs to clarify any changes in stance to prevent criticism of inconsistency. Given BERSATU’s internal challenges, mishandling this could trigger division within PN,” he said.
The analysts’ assessments underscore both the political opportunities and complexities facing Ahmad Samsuri as PN positions itself ahead of Malaysia’s next general election. - March 2, 2026
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