Zahid has power and leverage as DPM, likely to be retained as Umno President - analysts
SHAH ALAM - Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will likely retain his position as Umno’s President following his appointment as the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) last Friday.
Experts stated that his position in government today would likely strengthen his position in the oldest Malay party and leverage on the power that comes with the post.
National Council of Professors (NCP) senior fellow Prof Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir said Zahid now holds a powerful portfolio and will likely enhance his position now only at the Federal level but within the party itself.
“Zahid can definitely enhance his position as a powerful politician.
"His current position already has leverage and power, it’s not easy for anybody to challenge the party president,” he said.
Jenriri also said that it was not healthy for a party to topple the president who is also the deputy prime minister as it might lead to breakdown within party.
"We must remember, this unity government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is sanctioned by the Majesty, it would not be healthy if there is any effort to topple the top leadership," he said.
Commenting further, political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis said the DPM position also gives Zahid a strategic advantage against those who plans to go up against him for the presidential post.
The position as deputy prime minister gives him powers not only in Cabinet but also enhances his patronage powers.
"Moreover, it is difficult for Umno to vote him out unless Umno members especially grassroots really shows that they want Zahid out, somehow it is difficult to happen in a very short time," the Universiti Teknologi Mara lecturer said.
Political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said that Umno leaders will only have a shot in the party’s presidency post if they are able to convince Umno delegates and its members that they were more than capable of holding the position and responsibilities that comes with.
"If some other leaders can convince their colleagues that they are more capable than Zahid in delivering these goals to the party rank and file, then they would also have a shot at the party presidency," he said.
Oh said Umno has long become a party where retention of vested interests and distribution of benefits become the operating imperatives of the party’s organisation.
“If by design of his DPM appointment Zahid could effectuate the smooth accomplishments of these two goals for both the senior leaders and the grassroots of the party, then it is very likely to be returned as president,” he added.
In regards to Umno’s former Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin's chances for presidency, both Jeniri and Mujibu agreed that Khairy needs to work hard to gain popularity among Umno chief divisions.
"Khairy is popular outside the party but it doesn't mean he is popular within his party, he has to work hard and suit himself into the party," said Jeniri.
Meanwhile Mujibu said the former Health Minister was unmatched for the traditional and conservative party.
"Khairy has the point to fight with Zahid but he does not have the personality that appeal to most of Umno divisions chiefs,” he said.
In the last Umno polls back in 2018, Khairy took the plunge and contested for the presidency post after helming Youth Chief for two terms. By tradition, he should have gone for the Vice President post first and he makes his way up.
Khairy, who obtained 53 votes, was Zahid’s biggest challenger while former Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s push was left out stale with only 28 votes.
Zahid was the presidency for the 2018-2021 term with 78 votes.
