SHAH ALAM - Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) still needs the touch and leadership of Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu as the president who is respected by opposition and friends to steer and stabilise the party.
Amanah Pahang deputy chairman who is also Rompin Amanah chief Mohd Fadzli Mohd Ramly said he believed that the time will come for a transition of power and leadership in the party.
"But now is not the time. With one term remaining for the maximum term of office as president according to the Amanah constitution, Abang Mat's (Mohamad) leadership is still needed to steer and stabilise the party," he told Sinar, today.
He said that Amanah never lacked young leadership and the election in the party could be used as a platform to put them in line in the new leadership ranks at the national level.
"However, an experienced person is still needed as a mentor to lead, educate and form a generation of quality leaders for this country.
"This joint leadership is seen to be able to shape Amanah as a future and progressive party," he said.
Fadzli also reminded that Amanah reached the peak of success under Mohamad's leadership when he won 11 parliamentary seats and helped form the government twice, namely in the 14th General Election (GE14 and GE15).
"Amanah leaders have been appointed to lead four ministries at the federal government level for the first time.
"At the state government level, Adly Zahari has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Melaka," he explained.
He also criticised efforts to change the new leadership, including the party president, on the grounds of wanting to move forward and be accepted by the people.
"To answer this, it is appropriate that Amanah's performance and position today be refined for the sake of a fair assessment. Amanah is the youngest party in the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
"At this young age, Amanah has been trusted to lead several strategic ministries after taking over the government of the country in GE14 and GE15.
"The Amanah leaders led by the president himself have proven their ability to administer and bring about positive changes at their respective ministry levels.
"Specifically, Mohamad as the Agriculture and Food Security Minister has successfully led the country out of the post-Covid-19 pandemic food crisis.
"The late deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub as Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister was known for his Rahmah ideas.
"Until now the people have directly benefited from this out-of-the-box initiative," he said.