The race to Putrajaya may still be some distance away, but former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has already stirred political conversation by expressing confidence that Dato' Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stands a strong chance of becoming Malaysia’s next prime minister after the upcoming general election.
Speaking during an episode of the Keluar Sekejap (KS) podcast alongside Shahril Hamdan, Khairy - better known as KJ - said the Bagan Datuk MP’s prospects are brighter than many assume. His reasoning? Stability, strategic patience and firm internal party control.
According to KJ, Umno today appears more cohesive compared to several other political parties currently grappling with internal friction. While rival coalitions navigate leadership tussles, factional rivalry and ideological rifts, Umno, he argued, has managed to maintain a relatively united front under Zahid’s leadership.
One notable example, KJ pointed out, was Zahid’s handling of differences of opinion raised by Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh. Rather than allowing disagreements to spiral into open factional conflict, Zahid managed the situation without triggering a major party split - a move that KJ believes reflects political maturity and control.
“In addition, from all other political parties, it seems that there are no serious internal problems in Umno,” KJ remarked, suggesting that such stability could work in Zahid’s favour when voters weigh leadership options in the next general election (GE).
Crucially, KJ also believes Zahid is likely to continue supporting the existing unity government until the election, positioning himself as a steady and responsible coalition partner. This strategic patience could strengthen his image as a national leader rather than merely a party president pursuing short-term gains.
Momentum, however, will matter. KJ noted that strong performances in Melaka and Johor - particularly if state elections are not held simultaneously with the general election - could provide Umno with renewed confidence and grassroots energy. Victories in these states would not automatically guarantee a sweeping triumph in GE16, he cautioned, but they would signal recovery and relevance.
He said that even an absolute victory in Melaka and Johor may not translate into a grand victory in GE16, as Umno remains far from achieving the level of public support associated with absolute dominance, though the results could still be better than before.
The road to Putrajaya remains unpredictable. Yet in Malaysia’s ever-shifting political landscape, perception, party unity and timing often matter more than numbers when it comes to winning seats in elections. If Umno maintains discipline and capitalises on electoral momentum, Zahid’s long-speculated premiership may no longer seem distant - but distinctly possible - provided voters are willing to overlook the party’s history of corruption and abuses of power.
Whether voters will embrace that prospect, however, is a question only the ballot box can answer.
By: Kpost
Information Source:
TheVibes , YouTube/KeluarSekejap
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