The appointment of the Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the new opposition leader has received mixed reactions from political analysts due to his gentle demeanour.
On Thursday, acting Umno president Mohamad Hasan, who announced the appointment, said that Ismail Sabri's appointment was made based on his seniority as the party's vice-president.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak political analyst Jeniri Amir doubted Ismail Sabri's ability to shine as the opposition leader.
"It is not easy to carry out the role of opposition leader. One must be outspoken, bold, quick-thinking, and possess extraordinary leadership.
"Ismail Sabri's ability to express his thoughts is blunt. So there will be a problem," he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.
Jeniri (photo) said the ability of the opposition leader to debate and express concrete arguments in the Dewan Rakyat is crucial so that the people could see BN is able to play its role as the watchdog and to perform check-and-balance.
"That responsibility now is on Ismail Sabri's shoulder," he said.
He added that if the opposition's voice is weaker than Pakatan Harapan leaders, they will sink and will be unable to shape the narrative for the people.
However, he opined that if Umno members give Ismail Sabri guidance and undivided support, he has the potential to shine as the opposition leader.
For prominent political analyst Ahmad Atory Hussain, Ismail Sabri is the best that Umno could offer.
"If you look at Umno leaders based on seniority, of course, the role would go to Ismail Sabri although many who are less senior could fill the position such as (Umno secretary-general) Annuar Musa or Umno supreme council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman," he said.
Atory (photo) said that while Ismail Sabri is soft-spoken like Mohamad, both of them have no controversy which could bring down the party.
Ismail Sabri deserved a chance to play the role of the opposition leader, he added.
"Give him a chance. He is the Umno vice-president and it's not an easy feat to reach that level," he said.
He added that Ismail Sabri has to be well-prepared as the people will always refer to him to get their comments and feedback on government policies.
"People view him highly. They want to listen to his thoughts on government policies. This is important," Atory said.
"He talks a lot about policies and the Malay agenda. But he is not confrontational. He is more towards having amicable solution and a healthy debate.
"He looks relaxed but he is stern when it comes to issues surrounding the people. I can see that he can be a capable opposition leader although his appointment was based on seniority," said the senior lecturer.
However, Azizuddin suggests that Ismail should form a shadow cabinet just like the opposition parties in other countries to ensure their efficiency in performing check-and-balance task. - Mkini
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