PN needs a problem-solver, not a political orator, says analyst

 Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri says the coalition must choose between becoming a constructive opposition or remaining a bloc driven by rhetoric.

PN must decide on a new opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat following Hamzah Zainudin’s resignation from the post. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 An analyst has described Perikatan Nasional (PN) as reaching a crossroads, with a decision needed on a new opposition leader following Hamzah Zainudin’s resignation from the post.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said PN’s choice of opposition leader would determine whether it seeks to be a constructive opposition or remain a bloc driven by rhetoric.

Zaharuddin said failure to pick a leader capable of coming up with solutions to issues would disqualify the coalition from being seen as a government in waiting.

“It risks remaining as a superficial opposition that’s only outspoken on social media but not in Parliament.

“The new opposition leader must be an architect of solutions to the issues faced by the people, not just a political orator. Without such a leader, PN does not deserve to be called a government in waiting,” he told FMT.

Zaharuddin said PN appeared more focused on its internal issues instead of its role as an effective check and balance on the government.

He cited Khairy Jamaluddin’s criticism of PN, which the former minister had described as the “most useless opposition” bloc, saying it reflected the coalition’s failure to offer convincing alternative policies to the government’s.

Zaharuddin said credibility and integrity were crucial aspects as many Malaysians now reject rhetoric with no direction.

“This isn’t a question of who is most liked within PN, but who is capable of championing a national vision that goes beyond the interests of the component parties,” he said.

Universiti Malaya’s Tawfik Yaakub said the opposition leader must not merely be a political speaker.

“If PN fails to project aggressive and credible leadership, the coalition will be seen as irrelevant, strengthening the perception that it’s not ready to lead the government,” he said.

PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar had said that the Dewan Rakyat speaker would be formally notified about the vacancy of the opposition leader’s post following Hamzah’s resignation.

PAS previously said PN components had agreed to the party taking over the opposition leader’s role.

While Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin urged PN to promptly name a new opposition leader, several PAS leaders played down the urgency of the matter, saying a new leader would be named before the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes in June. - FMT