Analysts have downplayed suggestions that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi could become prime minister, even though Khairy Jamaluddin recently claimed his prospects have improved in the current political climate.
Major seat increase needed for realistic chance
Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Khairy’s comments came against the backdrop of internal crises in parties such as Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional, as well as ongoing criticism faced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim within the unity government.
Nevertheless, Mazlan stressed that Zahid would only have a genuine opportunity if Umno achieves a substantial rise in parliamentary seats and regains its position as one of the leading parties.
“I am not saying Zahid has no chance at all, but if Umno secures 40 seats and becomes the most dominant party in the coalition, only then will Zahid have a higher possibility of being made prime minister,” he told FMT.
If the next general election produces results similar to GE15 in 2022, Mazlan added, it would be hard for other parties to support Zahid for the top position, particularly if Pakatan Harapan remains the largest bloc in Parliament.
Umno currently holds 26 parliamentary seats following the 15th general election.
Support from MPs remains a key hurdle
Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk from Universiti Sains Malaysia pointed out that Zahid would require backing from a majority of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat, a difficult goal given Umno’s reduced dominance compared with past years.
He noted that PAS continues to stand out as the most stable Malay-Muslim party, while Umno still faces negative perceptions among some voters.
Hung Parliament could open door through negotiations
Awang Azman Pawi from Universiti Malaya said it is “not impossible” for Zahid to become the next prime minister.
However, he emphasised that any such outcome would depend heavily on the dynamics of a hung Parliament and the negotiations that follow the election.
“Without a major surge in seats, those chances will still depend on political negotiations,” he said.
Khairy, the former Umno Youth chief, had earlier suggested that Zahid’s chances are improving because of instability in rival parties and Umno’s relative stability within the unity government.
About The Author
