Why is Najib ‘taking charge’ in Melaka and not Tok Mat in Zahid’s absence?

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR – Given Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s popularity on social media, political analysts suggest this may be the reason why he appears to have been given the go-ahead to lead Umno into the upcoming Melaka election.

Speaking to The Vibes, Universiti Malaya’s Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi suggests that, if Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did indeed task Najib with guiding the party in the coming polls, it would most certainly be due to the fact that he has experience in both leading the country and the party.

At the same time, Awang contends that the right person to lead the party would actually be Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, fondly known as Tok Mat, given that he is Zahid’s No. 2.

Yesterday, Najib had informed the high court here that he will postpone his Singapore trip, as Zahid has entrusted him to ensure all party operations run smoothly given the Umno president’s plans to head to Germany for medical treatment.

“If we take into account hierarchy, the most suitable person to lead the party is Tok Mat as deputy president.

“But if Najib is merely helping and not leading the party, it isn’t an issue because any Umno member is welcome to strengthen their machinery.

“If indeed Najib is leading, it would be because he has influence in social media and may be able to pull in voters,” Awang said.


- More -