AS the national polling day draws nearer, voters must have by now made up their minds on the candidates they want to pick as their representatives in Parliament and the state legislative assemblies.
As this is a crowded field, let us focus on just a few prominent figures who have the potential to become the next prime minister (PM) or capable of going very far in their political career.
- Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
The caretaker PM has already gained some experience in governing the country. But he lacks charisma and gumption to be a forceful leader. He is banking on the Budget 2023 his government had tabled to carry him through to Putrajaya again. He has nothing more to offer the nation.
The poster boy for BN, however, does carry some weight to become the national leader. His only claim to fame is when he spoke at the United Nations (UN) general assembly in Malay – obviously by creating history of the wrong kind.
- Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
He had a short stint as deputy PM, appointed by his former boss (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) whom by right should be languishing for a dozen years behind bars.
He didn’t make his mark as an influential leader in the government nor is his leadership of UMNO much appreciated. He is considered more of a drag in the party than a big help.
He is in a great hurry to become PM despite a blot on his public service record. This brash character is unlikely to realise his dream. He’s more suited as a tribal chief.
- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim:
The man who would be PM and never was but who came tantalisingly close to the goal during the heyday of Pakatan Harapan (PH) rule is still single-mindedly pursuing his dream.
The PKR leader is making all the right noises about multi-racial harmony in line with his promise to be a “leader for all Malaysians” if elected PM.
Most importantly, he got it all right when he trained all his firepower on eradicating corruption. Once a bright star as former deputy PM, he had his dark moments in history when he fell from grace.
But if Anwar’s oratorical power doesn’t catch fire in the Malay heartland where it matters most, he will become a permanent footnote in the annals of Malaysian politics.
- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
The former PM will forever be remembered as the “Sheraton” man who was mainly responsible for the downfall of the PH government.
For this act of betrayal, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) president will find it real tough to regain the trust of the voters. But his promise to offer “clean, stable” government might resonate with the people to some extent.
- Tan Sri Hadi Awang
A firebrand who has nothing more to offer than the politics of race and religion. The PAS president is only keen on seeing the Malaysian way of life with all its rich diversity go his way where the supremacy of his religion is all that matters.
His brand of divisive politics will not find a home in Malaysia. He will never find support among the non-Malays who see him as a menace to peace and harmony.
- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
This ancient politician who has ruled the country for more than 20 years and returned the second time for a brief spell still wants to put his shaky hands on the wheels of state.
The fighter in him refuses to back down and as head of Pejuang, he wants to lead the charge with his coalition partner Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) with the battle cry, “We are clean! We want to turn Malaysia into an Asian tiger!”
His GTA will not promise the moon and the stars if it is voted to power with its seven-point manifesto dubbed the “New Malaysia Agenda” pledges to implement the doctrine of power separation through structural and legislative improvements.
The old doctor wants to try his luck but Malaysia is already tired of his prescriptions. He might not get his wish come true the third time around.
- Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Now adviser to PKR, the doctor is still a popular figure. She might have a big role to play if PH returns to power. She was once a deputy PM and there is still hope that she might one day step up to the highest office in the country and create history of the right kind.
- Khairy Jamaluddin
He comes across as a suave man who is a picture of calm and sturdiness in the midst of the turmoil in his party.
He doesn’t get himself embroiled in the party squabbles and prefers to keep his distance while some other party members fell by the wayside. He has a big ambition: he wants to become PM one day and that seat of power is not beyond his reach. – Nov 11, 2022
Phlip Rodrigues is a former journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: Berita RTM
