Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, has been described as a more suitable candidate for Prime Minister from PAS than Terengganu Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar. Former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim, highlighted Sanusi’s relatable and down-to-earth persona as key factors that make him a stronger contender.
In the latest episode of The Zaid Ibrahim Podcast, Zaid expressed doubts about Ahmad Samsuri’s appeal, citing controversial decisions such as the implementation of public flogging, which he argued would be difficult for Malaysians and the global community to accept.
“(Actually) No one from PN (Perikatan Nasional) can compete with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the PM post. I cannot support a candidate from Terengganu who advocates public flogging, even in mosques. The people and the world won’t accept it,” Zaid said.
He further criticized the idea of PAS aligning itself too heavily with the ultra-conservative image, suggesting this approach would alienate voters.
Sanusi’s Relatable Approach
Despite being less senior in the party as compared to Ahmad Samsuri, who serves as PAS Vice President, Zaid sees Sanusi as a more viable candidate. He described Sanusi as someone who resonates better with the public due to his approachable nature and ability to engage with people from all walks of life.
“Sanusi seems more relatable—he enjoys karaoke, jokes around, and can connect with women and the general public. He isn’t extreme. If PAS wants a PM candidate, they should pick someone like him, someone who understands the people’s struggles and is grounded in their needs,” Zaid explained.
Zaid emphasized that Sanusi’s perceived ability to empathize with and address everyday issues makes him stand out in comparison to other PAS leaders.
Challenges for PAS and PN
Zaid also noted the broader challenges faced by PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in presenting a credible candidate to challenge Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the next general election. He argued that PAS’s approach of projecting itself as a morally superior, "angel-like" party may not translate into broad electoral appeal.
“PAS needs to focus on securing the majority of votes, not acting like a clerical party obsessed with sin and virtue. Elections are won by connecting with voters, not by moral posturing,” Zaid remarked.
He also questioned the coalition dynamics within PN, suggesting that PAS may lack the confidence to lead without Bersatu’s support. Zaid implied that internal conflicts over leadership and candidate selection could undermine the coalition’s effectiveness in the next general election.
The Leadership Debate
The debate over PN’s Prime Minister candidate intensified after Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu proposed Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the coalition’s sole candidate. However, PAS Mursyidul Am Datuk Hashim Jasin rejected the suggestion, asserting that PAS, with the most parliamentary representatives in PN and a robust grassroots network, is better suited to lead.
Information Source: SinarHarian
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