Dzulkefly touted as ‘ideal candidate’ for deputy post, say Amanah sources

 

Amanah strategy director Dzulkefly Ahmad has been described as a figure who is well liked within the party.

PETALING JAYA: Amanah’s strategy director Dzulkefly Ahmad has been proposed as an ideal candidate for the position of deputy president in the party’s election this weekend, according to insiders.

An Amanah leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Dzulkefly, who is Kuala Selangor MP, initially refused to throw his hat into the ring for the party’s number two position.

However, with Dzulkefly’s recent appointment as health minister in Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet reshuffle last week, certain factions within the party have called for him to run for the deputy president’s post.

The source said Amanah is currently split into two camps, one backing party president Mohamad Sabu and the other supporting vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

Dzulkefly’s ability to navigate without posing a threat to either camp could be seen as a unifying or stabilising factor within the party, said the source.

“Dzulkefly is currently not part of either camp. He is also a figure that’s well liked by everyone in the party and, as the newly appointed health minister, he is perfectly suited for the role (of Amanah deputy president),” the source told FMT.

Another source from Amanah warned that conflict within the party would intensify if Mujahid, or fellow vice-president Adly Zahari, who is part of Mohamad’s camp, were to win the deputy president’s post.

“If Mujahid becomes the deputy president, with Mohamad leading the party (as president), the chances of them not being on the same page about the party’s direction would persist.

“If that happens, Amanah will face a very long three years under the new leadership without a clear direction,” said the insider, adding that Dzulkefly represented a middle ground forward for the party.

Previously, FMT reported that the focal point of Amanah’s election was the contest between leaders linked to Islamic NGO Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia or Ikram and those who are not.

A party leader from Melaka said the biggest battle would likely be for the post of deputy president, with Adly and Mujahid viewed as favourites.

Amanah’s deputy president position has been vacant since the death of incumbent Salahuddin Ayub in July. - FMT