Analysts warn that Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s position as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman would be precarious, given lingering doubts over his leadership legitimacy.
Lacking Strong Party Mandate
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, senior consultant at Global Asia Consulting, noted Samsuri holds PAS vice-presidency and Terengganu menteri besar role but lacks president or deputy status in any party.
Samsuri’s name has surfaced for PN chairmanship after a recent photo with Muhyiddin, yet questions persist on leading without solid party backing.
His role could be viewed as mere caretaking without true authority, Zaharuddin told FMT.
This might leave him dependent on heavierweights for coalition strategies, fostering views of a symbolic chairmanship controlled from behind the scenes.
PAS Dominance and Coalition Tensions
Zaharuddin compared it to Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s time as ninth prime minister, despite Umno vice-president status.
PAS’s sway in PN pressures Samsuri to avoid puppet perceptions tied to its agenda.
Failure to show resolve could undermine confidence from partners and undecideds.
He must navigate PAS-Bersatu frictions plus Bersatu’s internal woes.
Samsuri’s Terengganu record stays under watch, ripe for rival attacks if mishandled.
Building a Convincing Narrative
He needs fresh stories of capable leadership beyond inherited posts.
Without tangible wins, his spot remains challengeable.
If state governance fails to project national stature, foes will question his federal opposition command.
Under PAS Shadow
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Samsuri lingers in PAS top leaders’ shadow, curbing independent decisions.
Appointed to lead PN, his lack of full PAS control poses the core hurdle.
Gaining Bersatu respect proves tough against dominant figures like deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, seen as more seasoned and apt to follow Muhyiddin.
This setup risks dual squeezes from PAS and Bersatu.
A PN Supreme Council meeting follows Bersatu’s tomorrow, to address Muhyiddin’s successor after his January 1 resignation.
