KUALA LUMPUR – The unanimous decision to retain Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu as Amanah’s president indicates a compromise among its leadership, avoiding the risk of disrupting the party’s stability.
Meanwhile, Amanah’s newly-appointed deputy president, Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa, is perceived as a reformist leader with innovative ideas, potentially bringing continued change to the party.
Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, said that the election results for the party’s committee members clearly reflect the delegates’ preference for leadership.
“The 27 committee members have different strategies, which is not wanting to shake Amanah by retaining Mohamad, but instead appointing Mujahid as deputy and Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (vice president) as backups to lead Amanah in a new, stronger direction.
“The party will not only be stronger in Pakatan Harapan, it will also be more secure in garnering Malay votes – especially since they must compete with Umno in the unity government.
“They want to retain the current leadership but give a breath of fresh air, as shown in the voting results of the election,” he told Scoop.
Political analyst Mazlan Ali said that the current leadership combination in Amanah is viewed as a compromise that balances tradition while preparing for party reform.
“There were rumours of wanting a reform, change the leadership, and there was a subgroup in Amanah.
“But, they put that aside and prioritised the party’s interests; a compromise had happened,”
“This is beneficial for the party to ensure stability, allowing it to focus on upcoming programmes and agendas,” said the lecturer at Perdana Centre of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Mazlan highlighted that the party maintained stability by not sidelining Mohamad, acknowledging his wealth of experience and contributions.
“Mujahid being the deputy means the reform has begun in Amanah, which is a big responsibility for him,” he said.
“Meanwhile, Dzulkefly as the vice president was a popular appointment in the party, and he could assist the party with his experience.
“Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud’s appointment is a recognition for women, as this is the first time a woman was elected as a vice president.
“Adly Zahari is a rising youth leader, and is seen to collaborate with Mujahid for Amanah’s future,” he added.
Looking at the 27-member committee, Mazlan noted the presence of reform with the inclusion of several youth figures, such as Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, Anfaal Saari, and Ahmad Sabki Yusof, alongside some veteran leaders leaving.
“The pairing of 27 youths and veterans shows that Amanah harmonised and aims to make a reform,” he said.
“(Only) removing veterans would indicate the intention of sidelining them, although they have experiences beneficial for the party. Instead, retain them and introduce the youthful energy considered to be Amanah’s future leaders.”
Yesterday, Mohamad was reelected as Amanah’s president for a third term, as announced at this year’s Amanah Convention by the party’s speaker, Azhar Shukor. – December 25, 2023
