As the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election looms, UMNO Youth chief Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh emerges as a potential catalyst in securing Malay votes, leveraging his role as a "Malay nationalist hero" in the contentious "Allah" socks issue. Amidst differing opinions on his impact, political analysts weigh in on the significance of tapping into Akmal's influence and the strategic implications for the unity government's electoral strategy.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political science lecturer Prof Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid advocates for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to recognize Akmal's "serious potential" and utilize it not only in the upcoming by-election but also in the long-term governance of the unity government. Highlighting Akmal's popularity and positioning, Prof Dr. Ahmad Fauzi sees an opportunity for the government to capitalize on Akmal's appeal to bolster support among Malay voters.
The vacant KKB seat, left behind by the late incumbent Lee Kee Hiong, sets the stage for a heated electoral contest, with polling day scheduled for May 11 and nomination day on April 27. In response to Ahmad Fauzi's endorsement, Akmal acknowledges the sentiments but humbly admits to lacking a specific formula, emphasizing instead the principles underpinning his political convictions.
In a recent Facebook post, Akmal underscores the significance of defending Islam, the Malay race, and Malay rulers, cautioning against challenging these principles, which resonate deeply within the Malay community. He asserts that while Malays are accommodating and tolerant, any affront to these core values would evoke a staunch response, potentially impacting electoral outcomes.
However, not all political observers share the same enthusiasm for Akmal's influence. Dr. Mohd Azmir Mohd Nizah, a political analyst from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), suggests that Akmal's alignment with UMNO's Malay-centric narrative could undermine his credibility if he were to support DAP in the KKB campaign. Dr. Mohd Azmir emphasizes the delicate balance Akmal must strike to maintain his image as a champion of Malay interests.
On the other hand, Anis Sina, an analyst from the independent firm O2, acknowledges Akmal's potential but underscores the candidate selection's pivotal role in maximizing his impact. She contends that Akmal's effectiveness hinges on the coalition government fielding a candidate aligned with Malay interests, particularly from UMNO. Conversely, campaigning for a PH candidate, especially from DAP, could pose challenges to Akmal's credibility within the Malay electorate.
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