SHAH ALAM – Perikatan Nasional (PN) has been urged to identify an alternative ‘Poster Boy’ or Prime Minister candidate, aside from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to signal its serious intent to reclaim Federal Government in the 16th General Election (GE16).
University of Malaya political science department senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub emphasised that this alternative candidate should be a professional figure with a balanced approach and image, capable of resonating with voters in both urban and rural constituencies.
Tawfik suggested that PN introduce a fresh face to lead its campaign, moving away from Muhyiddin, who is also the president of Bersatu.
He pointed out that PN boasts a wealth of capable leaders who could inspire voter confidence, as demonstrated in the Sabah state elections and GE15.
"For example, Pas vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammed Azmin Ali hold more potential than recycling familiar faces for the Poster Boy or Prime Minister candidate.
"The public is weary by the same faces. PN should present a new candidate with fresh ideas and a progressive political vision," Tawfik told Sinar when contacted recently.
Tawfik also highlighted that Bersatu must acknowledge that its prior successes in GE15 and state elections were largely due to Pas’s strong campaign machinery rather than Bersatu’s resources or candidates.
Tawfik argued that PN must allow Pas to lead the campaign efforts for GE16 and future state elections to maintain its dominance in states like Perlis, Kelantan, Kedah, and Terengganu.
"Bersatu should avoid being overly ambitious, especially since it lacks the necessary campaign machinery and is heavily dependent on Pas.
"PN needs to cultivate support among non-Malay voters.
"Relying solely on Gerakan is insufficient. The party has become a ‘political liability,’ benefiting from PN’s strength without contributing significantly," he added.
Tawfik urged PN to forge alliances with other Barisan Nasional (BN) parties, such as MCA and MIC, ahead of GE16.
He stressed that the coalition cannot focus exclusively on Malay-majority areas and states but must aim to make inroads into non-Malay constituencies to secure victories, even with narrow margins.
"PN should nominate influential non-Malay candidates if it hopes to make gains in states like Selangor, Pahang, Perak, and Johor.
"It is also crucial for PN to adopt a more inclusive approach in its campaigns, avoiding extreme rhetoric, to appeal to voters across all demographics," he said.
He further added that campaign efforts should begin immediately, particularly in urban areas, to avoid BN continuing to consolidate its stronghold in rural regions.
Tawfik also expressed skepticism about Bersatu’s goal of recruiting over one million members by the end of next year, citing recent internal challenges and the party’s diminished standing outside the government.
"Bersatu’s membership was initially built on dissatisfaction among Umno members and leaders who left the party.
"However, many have since returned to Umno.
"This is due to Umno’s political leverage through its partnership in the Unity Government, which has rekindled confidence in its ability to safeguard Malay interests, despite its collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and DAP," he said.
Tawfik also pointed out that the current political dynamics are unfavourable for Bersatu’s growth, potentially leading to a decline in membership as some members and leaders gravitate back to Umno.
"Politics is driven by power and influence. If Umno is now fulfilling their expectations, it’s no surprise that U-turns occur.
"Look at the by-election results in Nenggiri and Mahkota, where Umno candidates won with larger majorities. This indicated a shift in support from Bersatu back to Umno," he said.