Azmin should be proud of Amirudin, recent comments may backfire – Political analysts

SHAH ALAM – With former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali expressing regret over his decision to nominate his successor, political analysts have pointed out that the action may backfire him instead of impacting his target.

In 2018, Azmin nominated Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as his successor in 2018, but recently, the relationship between the two seemed heated to the public’s eyes following the latter’s claim of being more successful in bringing more investors to the state.

Azmin, who headed the state government from 2014 to 2018, also remarked that Amirudin’s comparison was misplaced, while the amount of investments brought into Selangor could not be compared to those brought in when Selangor was still considered an ‘opposition state’.

When asked about the comments made by Azmin, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Anak Jawan believed that leaders should not comment emotionally but rather welcome constructive criticism.

“Of late, leaders express regret at their former actions and appointments. This is unbecoming behaviour from leaders who harp on their previous decisions or actions.

“Just because they later regretted what they did in the past does not absolve them of whatever issue they raised in relation to that decision.

“When they do that, it shows that they are becoming emotional, have lost rational consideration, and above all, do not have any more valid arguments against their former appointees who have outgrown their mentors,” he told Sinar Daily.

Jayum further remarked that having great constructive criticism aids in the development of strong leaders and holds the government accountable.

However, Jayum said critics must refrain from making personal insults or ‘hitting below the belt’.

By expressing remorse, he added that it did nothing to improve the reputation or leadership of those who were ‘attacked’ but rather exposed the person who made the statements weak.

“There is nothing wrong with the decision to appoint Amiruddin. Presumably, it was made because he (Amiruddin) was a strong figure in the party at the time and was thought to be able to carry the PKR leadership torch in Selangor after him (Azmin).

“In fact, yes, he did such a good job and Azmin should be proud of that decision to get Amiruddin to take over from him as Selangor menteri besar.

“Now, they are in different camps, but it does not mean Azmin made a mistake.

“In fact, he should be using that to his advantage instead of expressing regret at the decision.

“Azmin’s expression will not go down well with voters – voters will see it as being too emotional and personal. Worse still, voters in Selangor may see it as a reflection of the quality of his leadership,” he added.

Jayum also believed that Malay or non-Malay voters in Selangor were among the most mature voters in Malaysia.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) political analyst Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri also agreed with Jayum’s views that constructive criticism would bring improvement.

“I think any leader would appreciate that. But unrestrained attacks may backfire.

“The first few times are understandable, but when it’s done relentlessly, the people may be fed up, and in the end, it makes people less interested in politics.

“However, the rakyat are now more sophisticated. It’s different and for Azmin, it is worse.

“At least Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was seen as a statesman who retired after 23 years in the country.

“Azmin, on the other hand, is remembered for his betrayal. So I’m not sure how much weight people give to his opinion,” she added.