Who will be the next Prime Minister : Zahid or Ismail Sabri?

 

A survey supposedly carried out by Ilham Centre from Aug 1 to Sept 30 showed that Ismail Sabri Yaakob was leading the pack to become the Prime Minister for another term, should Barisan Nasional win the general election.

        However, the situation in the political scene is so fluid that things can; in fact, it has changed overnight. Back then, Ismail Sabri was still prime minister, and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as Umno president was not even holding a position.

Change of Guard 

        After the dissolution of parliament, the changeover of guards has given Zahid the upper hands. Eight of the politicians linked to Ismail Sabri have been dropped. 

        Would Zahid or Ismail Sabri become the next prime minister if Barisan Nasional wins the general election?

        I think the  question that should be asked is rather: "Would Zahid let go of the opportunity to be the next Prime Minister if BN won the general election?" 

        Although the chart above shows that even Pas president, Hadi Awang scored four percent, compared to Zahid's zero percent in the popularity survey, it is hard to imagine that Zahid would not cling on to power as Umno's No 1.

        Why would Zahid relinquish his position to anyone for the matter, since being the prime minister means he could do a lot to save the court cluster, including himself? 

        Therefore, unless Pakatan Harapan has a clear majority, the country would have to embrace Zahid as the tenth prime minister. 

Pas' Obvious Choice

        In wanting to form the government of the day, PAS would abandon Muhyiddin Yassin's Perikatan Nasional for Zahid Hamidi's Barisan Nasional, leaving out Parti Bersatu Pribumi in the cold.

        When this happens, Muhyiddin will realise that Pas was merely using Bersatu to garner some Malay votes to achieve its own political agenda. After all, in politics, there is no true enemies and no true friends. 

        We have already seen how Pas supported Muhyiddin, and when Ismail Sabri was picked, they remained with Ismail Sabri. 

        Would Ismail Sabri have a chance to be Prime Minister then? Yes, if his eight generals chose to contest under Bersatu against Umno and Pakatan Harapan. If they won, they would consolidate Ismail Sabri's position further. 

        The status quo would remain after the general election, and Ismail Sabri will be reinstated as the prime minister for another term. Zahid may have to battle for his own survival and try to fight the court cases on his own. 

        Too Many Scenarios 

        Malaysians will have to continue to watch what unfolds as it is too premature to even decide who will be the next Prime Minister. 

        Anwar Ibrahim can only be the Prime Minister if the ground has shifted in both East and West Malaysia to the point that Pakatan Harapan is able to win a strong majority. 

        For now, I would not be that optimistic, but anything can happen in Malaysia as we have seen in the last General Election. 

        Many of us who have seen the poor governance under Pakatan Harapan in Selangor after 2+1 terms are finding it hard to believe that Harapan will be able to deliver good governance at the federal level. 

        How much can one trust a coalition that continues to recycle ministers who created a big mess in their previous portfolio? 

        Even if their children can become world champion swimmers, many parents would be happy with Maszlee Malik being appointed Minister of Education again. In fact, he has no administrative experience to cope with the role as a minister. 

         He had also created such a big stir in East Malaysia with his advice given to the ulama being placed in East Malaysia. 

        And, former Damansara MP, Tony Pua has promised that he would return to serve in the ministries should Pakatan Harapan won the general election. Being a bane to the business community, Pua would turn away Harapan voters from casting their vote of confidence in Harapan. 

        Anwar has to know what is happening on the ground, and take time to address the sentiments of the people. Mere ceramah would not do the job.