Strategic move by Azmin to skip Bersatu polls, say analysts

Azmin Ali’s decision not to contest Bersatu’s internal polls is seen as a tactical move amid recent electoral setbacks.

(FMT) – Bersatu information chief Azmin Ali’s decision to not contest for a post in the upcoming Bersatu party polls may be a strategic move aimed at reevaluating his standing within the party, say analysts.

Awang Azman Pawi from Universiti Malaya said Azmin, the Selangor Bersatu chief, may have taken a “calculated” step to avoid a potential leadership challenge. He said that while Azmin continues to hold some influence within the party, he is not as formidable as he once was.

“Many political leaders experience ups and downs in their careers. For Azmin, this could be a moment for introspection and strategic recalibration.

“If he can demonstrate strong leadership and rebuild support, he may still have a role in Bersatu’s future,” he said, adding that Azmin, a former Selangor menteri besar, was likely biding his time before making his next move.

Azmin, PN’s election director, has been blamed by certain quarters for the coalition’s poor showing in recent by-elections.

On Sept 28, Bersatu’s Haizan Jaafar, representing PN, suffered a chastening defeat at the hands of Barisan Nasional’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah at a by-election called for Johor’s Mahkota state seat. The Umno candidate won by a 20,648-vote majority, four times larger than the victory margin at the state election two years earlier.

Mahkota was the 10th by-election since 2022; Bersatu has represented PN in four of those ten by-elections, losing them all.

Apart from Mahkota, where it suffered its heaviest defeat, the party also lost the Pulai parliamentary seat in Johor last year by a 18,641-vote majority, as well as the more recent Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat in Selangor (3,869) and the Nenggiri state seat in Kelantan (3,352).

Awang Azman said PN’s losses should be viewed in the broader context of Bersatu’s current challenges rather than merely a reflection of Azmin’s personal standing. He said the defeats were a blow to the party, and “not just Azmin”.

Despite the setbacks, Awang Azman said, Azmin’s extensive political experience and network could see him stage a comeback at some point.

“Malaysian politics is known for its unpredictability. Leaders who are considered ‘hopeless’ often make comebacks when there are shifts in the political dynamics or with the right strategy realignment,” he said.

Azmin is sitting out Bersatu’s party elections on Nov 2, but speculation is rife that he may take over from Hamzah Zainudin as the new secretary-general.

Last Friday, it was confirmed that Muhyiddin Yassin would retain the Bersatu presidency uncontested in the party polls. Hamzah, meanwhile, faces no contest for the deputy president’s post.

Hamzah will replace Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is vying for one of the three vice-president slots instead. Faizal faces competition from incumbents Radzi Jidin and Ronald Kiandee, as well as Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, Kuang assemblyman Rafiq Abdullah and Batu Kawan Bersatu chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Azmin’s absence from Bersatu’s list of candidates for the election should not be seen as an indication that his political career was over.

He pointed out that BN had held the Mahkota state seat from 2004 to 2018, and although PH wrested it in the 2018 general election, BN successfully claimed it back at the Johor state election two years ago.

“The defeat doesn’t say much about Azmin. His decision not to contest now could also be a good strategy,” Mazlan said.

Describing Azmin as “still powerful and influential”, Mazlan noted that Azmin had previously defeated Rafizi Ramli in PKR’s internal elections. He said Azmin could have even replaced Anwar Ibrahim as PKR president if he had not left the party in 2020.

“Azmin is very composed and capable of managing political issues,” said Mazlan.

“He is an outstanding leader who knows what to do and what not to do. He is still young and has time to make surprises in politics.”