KUALA LUMPUR – Given Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s popularity on social media, political analysts suggest this may be the reason why he appears to have been given the go-ahead to lead Umno into the upcoming Melaka election.
Speaking to The Vibes, Universiti Malaya’s Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi suggests that, if Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did indeed task Najib with guiding the party in the coming polls, it would most certainly be due to the fact that he has experience in both leading the country and the party.
At the same time, Awang contends that the right person to lead the party would actually be Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, fondly known as Tok Mat, given that he is Zahid’s No. 2.
Yesterday, Najib had informed the high court here that he will postpone his Singapore trip, as Zahid has entrusted him to ensure all party operations run smoothly given the Umno president’s plans to head to Germany for medical treatment.
“If we take into account hierarchy, the most suitable person to lead the party is Tok Mat as deputy president.
“But if Najib is merely helping and not leading the party, it isn’t an issue because any Umno member is welcome to strengthen their machinery.
“If indeed Najib is leading, it would be because he has influence in social media and may be able to pull in voters,” Awang said.
He said having Mohamad lead the party in Melaka would also be a good test, and can be used as a training ground for the Rantau assemblyman to lead the party or country.
Citing the fact that Najib has no positions in Umno, the academic also questioned how he would be able to command the party in the state election.
Mohamad was contacted for his views on the matter, and curtly told The Vibes: “You go and ask him (Najib).”
Meanwhile, geo-strategist Azmi Hassan said that it might even be beneficial for the party if Zahid steps aside to allow Najib to take charge, seeing that the party president’s leadership has been questioned and challenged before.
On the other hand, Azmi said Najib’s political influence is especially high among Umno members.
“The key point in the Melaka election is that it will test solidarity among Umno members itself.
“With Najib as former prime minister, a long-time Umno member, and his social media following, it could consolidate Umno members to throw support to each candidate,” Azmi said.
Azmi also acknowledged that, in terms of hierarchy, Mohamad should take charge, but said the campaign chief’s position is not necessarily based on rank.
“The task is given to someone who has clout; it is neither weird nor odd,” Azmi added. – The Vibes, October 23, 2021
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