Dr Norshahril said that Muhyiddin’s statement could be election rhetoric to garner votes for the by-election. However, he opined that Muhyiddin “is making a safe statement” and that Dr Ahmad Samsuri is an all-round politician with a strong track record at the state level, and perhaps ready to be “parachuted to the federal level”.
“Samsuri is somebody who can manage not only the ground or identity aspects of religion, but also govern the economy, the government development, new ideas, etc,” said Dr Norshahril.
“I think in a way PAS is trying to shift its approach by not only looking at religion as a source of legitimacy,” he added.
Political scientist Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) echoed similar sentiments.
He told CNA that Dr Ahmad Samsuri’s leadership is best outlined by how he led PAS Terengganu to a clean sweep in August’s state elections by clinching all 32 state seats. Terengganu is the only state in the country where all seats in the state government are held by a single coalition.
“He already has executive experience at the state level and now he can parlay it to federal level and govern the country one day. If PN ever comes to power, then I agree that Samsuri will be the likeliest prime minister candidate,” added Assoc Prof Azmil.
LONG WAY TO GO FOR PAS TO APPEAL TO NON-MALAYS
For PAS’ move to bear fruit, Dr Ahmad Samsuri must first clinch victory in Saturday’s by-election.
However, a win is no guarantee. Before 2018, the Kemaman parliamentary seat was a BN stronghold, with former ministers Ahmad Sabery Cheek and Mansor Said both having held the seat for long stretches.