KUALA LUMPUR – Despite being prime minister, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob does not appear to be winning the popularity contest among the party’s grassroots.
Although several delegates at the Umno general assembly interviewed by The Vibes were reserved with their comments, the majority said that president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should continue to lead the party until its internal polls slated for year end.
One delegate even suggested that assuming the party wins the looming 15th general election, the Bagan Datuk MP should be given the “rightful mandate” to lead the country as convention dictates.
Kepala Batas Umno member Datuk Md Zabidi Arifin said that while the future is unpredictable, it is a custom that the role of prime minister be appointed from party presidents.
“Normally, a party president is the prime minister. If the president receives strong support, then he should be the prime minister,” he said, adding he believes that Ismail Sabri is currently merely acting as an interim prime minister bearing the party’s voice in the government.
However, he said the current focus of the party lies in strengthening its forces and the question of who should be president is secondary, though members are more partial to a leader who has displayed his capabilities.
“We are now concentrating our efforts on reinforcing our strength as a party. Once we have done that, only then can we consider who has shown themselves capable of leading Umno.”
While the former officer to ex-prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi insisted that any of the top Umno figureheads are eligible to lead the party as president, he admitted that Zahid appears to be the most enthusiastic for now.
Expressing similar sentiments, Kudat Umno chief Akram Ismail said since Zahid has contributed much to the establishment and progress of the party, the possibility of him being prime minister is not far off.
“Possibilities are endless and whoever is chosen must be able to lead both the nation and party.
“Zahid has done a lot to push Umno forward to where it is right now and he has the ability to guide the party to success even when we are not the government of the country.”
He added that party grassroots mostly feel that an individual who has played a prime role in developing the party to what it is now should be given a chance to be president.
His claims are backed by Muar Umno youth chief Mohd Helmy Abdul Latif, who told The Vibes that grassroots sentiment is strongly favouring Zahid’s presidency as he was elected.
“We support Zahid because he was chosen by us in a democratic manner, so there is no reason to have other candidates in line to replace him.
“Although there are often mixed opinions among members, every member knows to respect our party’s presidential institution,” he said, adding that he will leave decisions on the party election to Umno leaders.
“As of now, there is no news of Zahid’s future plans, but it is up to the president whether he wants to retain his position or make way for anyone he deems more worthy of the task.”
Kota Raja Umno delegate Datuk Nazilah Idris, however, was more hesitant of having the same person as party president and prime minister, citing the separate responsibilities as the reason for not having one person hold two posts.
“Regardless of their party position, an elected prime minister should focus on governing the nation, while a party president must direct his attention to party affairs.
“There might be attempts to cause friction in the party but we are proud to have an Umno leader chosen to be prime minister,” she said, voicing her wish for Ismail Sabri to continue his premiership, although he is not party president.
As the party prepares its election machinery, she said Zahid may not even be defending his presidency.
“We never know what will happen after the 15th general election. What is important now is to make sure that we are well-equipped to tackle provocations and attempts to cause disharmony in the party.” – The Vibes, March 19, 2022
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