Mahdzir's loss in Umno VP race could be attributed to lack of trust from grassroots - analysts

SHAH ALAM - Umno Padang Terap division chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid's failure to defend vice-president post may be caused by grassroots' lack of trust in him to move the party forward.

Political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis said Mahdzir's defeat was expected as he was not the ideal vice-president candidate the grassroots were looking for.

"Mahdzir losing is widely expected, big reason is the grassroots were looking for somebody whom they believe can steer Umno forward and is capable of working hand-in-hand with the top leadership," he told Sinar Daily.

"Besides that, Mahdzir has lost the Padang Terap seat in the recent general election and has no ministerial post. These are usually associated with Umno candidacy or elections," Mujibu added.

Mahdzir has failed to defend the Umno vice-president post in the Umno election which was held on Saturday. He has held the post since 2018.

He came at seventh place after the official result was announced by Umno Election Committee chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Ab Samad at the Dato’ Onn Tower on Sunday.

The three Umno vice-presidents positions for the 2023-2026 term were won by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Federal Territories Umno chairman Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

UPM political science professor Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Anak Jawan said grassroots members perhaps could not remember Mahdzir's contribution to the party.

"Even I cannot remember what he has contributed as leader in Umno and I'm sure Umno members is also trying to figure the great things he has done which could be a merit to propel him to the position," he told Sinar Daily.

Meanwhile Prof Dr Jayum added that Johor state Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi was a more eligible candidate for the post to help Umno revive from its defeat in the previous general elections.

"I would like to think that he is one of the new younger and visionary leader that would be electable and be able to help propel rejuvenation in Umno after two general elections that the party had done badly," he pointed out.