SHAH ALAM - Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali finds himself at a critical juncture in the political arena as he enters the state polls, with many perceiving it as his last chance to maintain relevance.
Former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan expresses doubts about Azmin's ability to command respect in the political landscape, particularly given the numerous controversies surrounding him, including his alleged involvement in the Sheraton Move.
"This is undeniably Azmin's final opportunity, despite only experiencing one defeat in the last election.
"However, I am skeptical about his long-term prospects in the political arena.
"If he does not succeed this time, one of two outcomes awaits him - either he will be marginalised in the country's politics, or he might choose to step back when compared to other leaders," he said during a discussion on the Keluar Sekejap podcast, where he was joined by former Umno Youth leader, Khairy Jamaluddin.
During the nomination process, Azmin was declared as a candidate for the Hulu Klang state assembly seat, where he will be contesting against Juwairiya Zulkifli, the political secretary of the caretaker Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, representing PKR.
On a more optimistic note, Khairy believes that there is still hope for Azmin, drawing attention to the numerous possibilities that can unfold in politics.
"I have learned that in the political sphere, despite experiencing multiple defeats, it is premature to conclude that someone's career has come to an end.
"We have witnessed the resurgence of some individuals whom we had thought were already destined to fade away," he added.