Kuala Lumpur – Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, the current Menteri Besar of Terengganu, has been appointed as the novel chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Malaysia’s main opposition coalition. The move, finalized on February 22nd, positions the 55-year-old aerospace engineer as a potential prime ministerial candidate ahead of the next general election, which must be held by February 2028. This leadership transition comes as PN seeks to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional Malay-Muslim base and overcome challenges in attracting non-Malay and urban voters.
The appointment of Mokhtar, as well known as “Dr Sam,” replaces Muhyiddin Yassin of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) at the helm of the coalition. Analysts suggest this shift represents a strategic recalibration for PN, aiming to present a more technocratic and policy-focused image to the electorate. The question now is whether Mokhtar can consolidate power within the coalition and expand PN’s electoral reach, a task complicated by the coalition’s historically conservative stances on social issues.
Expanding PN’s Appeal: A Key Challenge
Perikatan Nasional has consistently struggled to gain traction with non-Malay and urban voters, largely due to its positions on issues such as gender roles, LGBTQ rights, alcohol consumption, gambling, and its longstanding advocacy for hudud, or Islamic criminal law. This ideological stance has fostered skepticism among minority communities. Post-GE15 analyses by Ilham Center and Merdeka Center reveal that support for PN among Chinese and Indian voters remained in the single digits to low teens, while support among Malay-Muslims stood at roughly 60 to 70 percent nationwide.
Recognizing this disparity, PN leadership acknowledges the necessity of attracting non-Malay voters to realistically contend for the next federal government. Mokhtar’s rise is viewed by some as a deliberate attempt to address this challenge. Unlike some PAS leaders known for their assertive ethno-religious rhetoric, the Terengganu chief minister has cultivated a reputation for a more pragmatic and policy-driven approach. He has publicly advocated for fiscal federalism, arguing that Terengganu deserves a greater share of petroleum royalty allocations from the federal government.
“A Technocratic Figure”
“The best choice (for a prime ministerial candidate from PAS) is therefore Dr Samsuri, who is a technocratic figure acceptable to various demographics,” stated Yusri Ibrahim, a lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. This sentiment is echoed by Machang Member of Parliament Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who, despite recently being removed from his position in Bersatu, expressed confidence in Mokhtar’s ability to unify the component parties within PN. Kamal, along with 19 other MPs aligned with Hamzah Zainudin, issued a statement on Sunday supporting Mokhtar’s appointment, stating his “stature as chief minister of Terengganu and coming from a technocrat background would facilitate to consolidate Perikatan Nasional in facing voters in the upcoming General Election.”
However, analysts caution that Mokhtar’s lack of national prominence and negotiating experience could pose obstacles. Compared to figures like Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah Zainudin, Mokhtar currently lacks the same level of national stature and political weight. Hamzah, a former home affairs minister, currently serves as the opposition leader in Parliament, though his position is somewhat uncertain following his recent removal from Bersatu.
Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s political career began as a lecturer and aerospace engineer before entering politics. He currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Kemaman, a position he assumed on December 2, 2023, winning by a majority of 37,220 votes. His biography details a strong academic background, including degrees from the National University of Malaysia and the University of Leeds.
What’s Next for Perikatan Nasional?
The coming months will be crucial for Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as he navigates the complexities of leading a diverse coalition and attempts to broaden PN’s appeal. His success will depend on his ability to maintain unity within the coalition, address concerns among non-Malay voters, and present a compelling vision for the future of Malaysia. The appointment signals a potential shift in strategy for the opposition, but whether this translates into electoral gains remains to be seen.
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