KUALA LUMPUR — Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s return to active duty as United Malays National Organisation (Umno) president is a gift to Pakatan Harapan (PH) as it will stall Umno's resurgence and its planned tie-up with Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), said political analysts.

They described the ex-deputy prime minister’s decision as a political comeback attempt as the party shows signs of regaining its footing six months after he went on leave. 

Zahid had taken garden leave six months ago, because, in his words, “he wanted to put an end to the turmoil roiling Umno as it kept losing it elected representatives”.

Political scientist, Dr Mazlan Ali said Zahid’s return will make PAS and some Umno members uncomfortable especially since the Bagan Datok Member of Parliament now has 87 corruption charges against him.

This more than even ex-president Najib Razak, whose scandal-tainted time in office caused Umno’s historic fall from power at the 14th general election last year.

If Zahid continues to lead Umno, there is very little chance it could attract support from the wider public as GE14 showed that the majority of Malaysians and a significant number of Malays, rejected leaders who were perceived to be corrupt.

“The people reject leaders who are perceived to have issues especially those who have unresolved court cases,” said another political scientist Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi. 

“Voters want parties that are led by clean political leaders and those free of wrongdoing. The impact of leaders who have integrity and abuse of power issues is very big to the point that it can cause the party to lose in elections,” said Dr Azman of Universiti Malaya’s Academy of Malay studies. 

Professor James Chin of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) said Zahid’s return is a “political disaster for Umno”.

“Every time he appears at a function, people will equate corruption with him, Umno and Najib,” said Prof Chin, who heads UTAS’ Asia Institute. 

DEFENDING KLEPTOCRATS

Zahid’s decision to go on garden leave came two days after Umno lawmaker Hamzah Zainuddin warned that the party risked losing more elected reps if Zahid did not quit.

On December 18, Zahid announced he would go on leave and allow his deputy Mohamad Hasan to run the party. In the six months since his stepping aside, Umno won three by-elections and forged closer ties with former archrival PAS. The two are expected to announce a formal alliance at a mega rally soon.

Mr Mohamad was also able to burnish Umno’s image and regain some of the party’s lost support, said Dr Azman.

But while Umno appeared to be getting back on its feet, Zahid was slapped with 40 more charges of corruption for awarding a contract in his former capacity as home minister.

Mazlan of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said compared to Najib, Zahid’s latest charges are far more serious and clear cut.

If PAS were to persist in linking up with Umno, the Islamist party will be accused of protecting a person who is facing serious corruption allegations, said Dr Mazlan.  

Dr Azman of UM said Zahid’s return puts PAS in a dilemma.

“They can’t interfere in another party’s internal politics but they have to defend the relationship in the name of political survival.”

Pakatan’s image as the cleaner, better political coalition will be enhanced with Zahid in the driver’s seat again.

“Now they can tell the people that Umno is trying to protect kleptocracy,” said Dr Mazlan.

NOTHING TO LOSE

So if the impact is negative for Umno and PAS, what could be the reason for Zahid’s sudden decision to come back from leave?

Dr Mazlan and Prof Chin speculated that the reason could be simple — Zahid merely seeks to be relevant again.

“With Umno gaining momentum, he’s afraid that he will be forgotten. So he wants to have what’s left of his political career.” 

Despite his official position as Umno president, Zahid is weaker than Mr Mohamad, said Dr Chin. Mr Mohamad is praised for reviving Umno while Najib has his popular “Bossku” programmes to recommend him.

“Zahid has no choice – if he stays out in the cold, he will be totally irrelevant. As president he can chair meetings and play a role in the PAS-Umno pact.

“Compared to Najib who has social media presence and the grassroots Bossku campaign, Zahid has nothing.

“He just wants to stay relevant.” THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT