Hadi's aide rejects Nazri's 'PMXI' views, calls for technocrat leader

 

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s political aide Syahir Sulaiman has dismissed ex-ambassador Nazri Abdul Aziz’s take on the country’s next prime minister, calling his views “shallow.”

The Bachok MP stressed the need for a leader with strong professional credentials, citing the late Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim as an example.

Syahir expressed hope that the country would be led by a technocrat of similar calibre.

While he did not name specific individuals, PAS already has a contender in its ranks - Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

The aerospace engineer and former lecturer has frequently been touted as a potential prime ministerial candidate should the opposition come to power.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar

Outlining the key attributes of Malaysia’s next leader, Syahir (above) emphasised the need for a competent and respected professional with integrity, dignity, and a commitment to keeping promises.

“The next prime minister shouldn’t be confined to politicians alone. We should also consider accomplished corporate leaders - esteemed CEOs of government-linked companies or major investment firms,” he suggested.

Contrary to Nazri’s argument, Syahir asserted that Malaysia has no shortage of capable leaders and that leadership should not be confined to Anwar Ibrahim alone, the 10th prime minister often referred to as “PMX”.

Ex-ambassador to the US Nazri Abdul Aziz

“It is a shallow perspective to claim that no one is qualified to replace Anwar. Malaysia has numerous credible political figures, technocrats, and diplomats who are well-equipped to serve as the 11th prime minister and beyond,” he said.

‘Low benchmark’

In a sarcastic remark, Syahir suggested that finding a more competent candidate would not be difficult, as Anwar had set a low benchmark.

He accused the Pakatan Harapan chairperson of making empty promises without delivering tangible results.

“It would not be difficult for anyone to become the 11th prime minister, given how the 10th prime minister has lowered the bar by failing to fulfil his promises.

“After enduring years of kleptocracy and kakistocracy, Malaysia urgently needs professional, competent, and honest leadership - one that prioritises the nation’s interests over personal agendas,” he added.

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini, Nazri expressed his support for Anwar to helm the nation again, partly due to concerns that no other viable candidates, including from his own party, Umno, were available for the role. - Mkini