Syed Saddiq’s favourite PM candidates after Dr M, Anwar
BY IDA NADIRAH IBRAHIM
The Malay Mail Online8 April 2018
PPBM Youth chief Syed Saddiq says Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali would make a fine prime minister . ― Picture by Yusof Mat IsaMore
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — Much had been made about Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) leadership going into the next five years after the 14th general election, especially when the federal Opposition pact named Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its prime ministerial candidate.
The 92-year-old — 93 on July 10 — who had been prime minister from 1981 to 2003 has said he will pass the baton to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim once the latter exits prison.
But the de facto PKR chief’s poor health and age — he turns 71 on August 10 — have also raised the inescapable question of who will be Anwar’s most likely successor if a change of commander is required mid-term.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman names his top four picks:
Datuk Seri Azmin Ali
The PKR deputy president is his first pick. Syed Saddiq said Azmin’s humble beginning, extensive experience and leadership as Selangor mentri besar made him well suited to be the country’s next prime minister, after Anwar.
“He is well educated. He had become a teacher and lecturer for a while and had a good background before entering politics. He is not from a rich family or aristocratic, and yet he has come this far.
“He was also the so-called mentee for both Anwar and Tun and that is a unique part of him. It was Tun who introduced him to Anwar. In 1998 he was in a difficult juncture on who he was to pick... doesn't matter who he picked, in the end he went through the hardest time,” said Syed Saddiq in an exclusive interview with Malay Mail.
Azmin, 53, began working for Anwar in 1987, following the advice of Dr Mahathir. He served as Anwar’s personal secretary until the latter was sacked as deputy prime minister in 1998.
Rafizi Ramli
The PKR vice-president, 40, is second in line due to what Syed Saddiq described as his unwavering commitment in revealing the truth as a strong Opposition.
“Rafizi is unique as he has put his neck on the line in facing prison sentence for revealing the truth,” said Syed Saddiq, referring to the Pandan MP’s recent 30-month jail sentence for exposing the confidential financial details of the controversial National Feedlot Corporation six years ago.
“He is from a very humble beginning and not a political background. He was a professional corporate leader who had a high pay of RM40,000 and yet have left it for politics and a reformed agenda.”
Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir
Syed Saddiq said the 53-year-old son of Dr Mahathir has developed into his own political persona and was no longer overshadowed by his father. Mukhriz would be suited for the post due to his popularity amongst the young people as well as the Malay community in rural area.
“He is a very successful corporate entrepreneur. The reverence to him is not just in Kedah and Johor.
“People say he lived in the shadows of his father but I think no more in the future, as his trajectory is very high. Similarly what people say about KJ and Badawi,” said Syed Saddiq in reference to Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin’s relationship as the son-in-law of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Nurul Izzah Anwar
Syed Saddiq said it would be possible for Malaysia to have its first woman prime minister in the foreseeable future if Anwar’s eldest daughter, 37, rises to a powerful position in government if PH wins federal rule.
“We will see it happen in our generation, our first female prime minister. It might not be right after Anwar because then it will be nepotism, they might say that. But I look forward to that future.
“She is an amazing lady who does not live in the shadow of her father. She is smart, eloquent, calm and composed. There had been a number of times where I almost frustrated and exasperated of the coalition, and she would be the one to console me and give me insights,” he said.
The incumbent Lembah Pantai MP is widely speculated to be fielded elsewhere rather than defending the seat she has been holding for the past two terms, though where it will be is yet to be made clear. ccc
.jpg)
