Zahid has strong chance of becoming Prime Minister, says KJ

SHAH ALAM – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has a strong chance of becoming prime minister after the next general election, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.

Khairy described Umno as more stable than other parties currently grappling with internal friction.

He said Zahid’s leadership style, particularly his ability to manage differing views without triggering major splits, has projected a positive image to the public.

“Zahid has managed to handle the differing views previously raised by Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh without causing divisions within Umno.

“Compared to other political parties, there do not appear to be internal problems in Umno,” he said in an episode of the Keluar Sekejap (KS) podcast, which he co-hosts with Shahril Hamdan.

Khairy also believes the Bagan Datuk MP is likely to continue supporting the current government until the next general election before deciding on his next political move.

He added that strong wins for Umno in Melaka and Johor, if state elections are not held concurrently with the general election, could provide fresh momentum for the party.

“I’m not saying that a landslide victory in Melaka and Johor would automatically translate into a landslide win in GE16.

“I think Umno is still far, in terms of public perception, from securing an outright victory. But I believe the results would be better compared to before,” he said.