All eyes on Umno's VP posts - political analysts

15 Jan 2023 05:36pm

Umno's President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should prove his credibility as a leader for the upcoming state elections - photo by Bernama

SHAH ALAM - Umno leaders who had wanted to contest for the top two posts can now aim for the vice president posts, if they wish to to provide a check and balance within party.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst, Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said all eyes will now be on the vice presidents posts after the party decided for the top two posts to not be contested in its general assembly yesterday.

" You can see statements coming from certain people who wanted to contest but now they have been denied their chances.

“Those who are unhappy can continuously criticise, but their actions can also be seen as weakening the party and they could face disciplinary actions, " he told Sinar daily.

Dr Sivamurugan also added that those who were not supportive of the party's decision might leave and look for other options.

Meanwhile International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) political analyst Professor Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood said from the perspective of Zahid Hamidi's rivals, the decision to not have a contest fo te top leadership posts is something of a disappointment.

"Perhaps, Ismail Sabri's view that if there is no contest for top leadership, there should not be a contest for all the other posts, is correct," he said

Nik elaborated that the decision of not contesting the top posts, could be seen as a second chance for Zahid to prove his capability as a leader.

“The decision served to reinstate Zahid’s leadership despite a poor Umno outing during the 15th General Election.

“He needs to show his capability during this year's state elections. If Umno still fails to improve its performance, there is a need to reconsider his (Zahid) leadership,” he said

Nik went on to add that Umno's decision for the party to have a contest for the top two posts could also be seen as something positive for the unity government, as the party's leaders remain secure in their positions.

He added that the new government could be at risk if there were new leaders in the party.