KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa’s appointment as Amanah deputy president is a well-thought-out and balanced choice by the party’s top leadership, experts say.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun said his appointment was timely amidst the growing support for the “green wave” in the country, necessitating a religio-political contest between PAS and Amanah.
Mujahid could woo an increasingly conservative and religiously oriented urban voter cohort, he added.
“Besides, he would have more religious credentials to counter PAS’ constant questioning of Amanah’s religiosity.
“Mujahid is also acceptable to the non-Malays, which make up the bulk of Pakatan Harapan’s supporter base.
“Although Dr Dzulkefly (Ahmad) could have been a potential choice, he may be perceived as more professional than religious,” he told Scoop.
After five months of vacancy, Mujahid was appointed to the post of deputy president during the party polls, concurrently held with the party’s 2023 national convention yesterday (Sunday).
He was previously one of the three Amanah vice presidents.
Mujahid replaced Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub who had previously held the post.
Speaking about both Mujahid and Salahuddin, International Islamic University Malaysia Political Science associate professor Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri said she sees the duo as two people with very different personalities and approaches.
“While Salahuddin was more conciliatory, I see Mujahid as being more firm in terms of how and where Amanah will go from here,” she said.
Mujahid, she said, is a perfect fit for the post given his contributions within the party as well as for the country.
“He will be able to bring members into rank with a clear direction.
“Mujahid will definitely set the path for Amanah forward. He is viewed more as a fighter willing to bring the party into the future.
“I’m hopeful he will help Amanah reach the masses and simplify the message for the people’s agenda,” she added.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) political analyst Dr. Abdul Aziz Azizam also said that Mujahid is the right and best individual to assume the number 2 post of the party.
“His appointment will provide a fresh perspective and strengthen the party, offering the public a glimpse into the leadership direction and aspirations that the party will bring in the coming years.
“Dzulkefly is also a highly popular candidate in the party. With the two of them in the top 5 posts, I believe it is a strategic move to balance power within the party and responsibilities within the government,” he added.
Abdul Aziz said that with the current composition of the PH coalition, Amanah at the forefront of this alliance could stem the Pas movement.
“Therefore, the formulation and synergy of this new Amanah leadership hold big hope for PH as a whole to regain public support and challenge the green wave,” he added.
He also said the outline and management of the party under this new leadership team will be of public interest, especially to political analysts.
Mujahid, who currently serves as a senator, was previously the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Religious Affairs.
He is also the son of former PAS president Yusof Rawa. – December 26, 2023