MPs’ exit from Umno seen as bad for Zahid

His chances of becoming party president are diminished because the defectors are from his home state, say analysts.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi may face tough competition in the race for the Umno presidency. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Two political analysts see Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s chances of winning the Umno presidency reduced by the recent resignation of two MPs from the party.

Speaking to FMT, Kamarul Zaman Yusoff of the Islamic Strategic Research Institute and Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya noted that both the MPs are from Perak, Zahid’s home state.

Kamarul Zaman Yusoff

“People may ask whether Zahid can lead Umno at the national level if he can’t even control Perak Umno,” said Kamarul.

Azman said the exit of the Bukit Gantang and Bagan Serai MPs made Zahid the “biggest loser” among the five presidential candidates.

Bukit Gantang’s Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Abdul Fasal announced his resignation at a press conference yesterday, saying he would serve the constituency as an independent MP. He said there was “no more stability and control” in Umno.

Awang Azman Pawi

Bagan Serai’s Noor Azmi Ghazali Azmi announced his exit last Sunday, also at a press conference. He pledged his support for the Pakatan Harapan government but said he would remain independent.

Even before the Perak resignations, observers besides Kamarul and Azman had said the presidential race would be tough for Zahid, who is currently acting president of Umno. His strongest rivals are Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Kamarul said Umno currently seemed leaderless, pointing to the defections and the prolonged crisis over the appointment of the Perlis menteri besar.

“All this shows that some segments within Umno aren’t confident of Zahid as acting president,” he added.

He also said PPBM might turn out to be the biggest beneficiary of Umno’s troubles because it would likely attract the membership of former leaders of the older party.

Azman told FMT he would regard Umno’s loss of the two MPs as good for the party. “It’s a form of self-cleansing,” he said. “Umno can be sure that those who stay in the party truly believe in its struggles.”

The Umno polls will be held this Saturday. - FMT