Dr Sam: Tanggapan pertama belum menceritakan segalanya

In an evaluation of Dr Sam, known as Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar or Dr Sam, Terence Netto's piece in FMT offers a captivating first impression of the politician, particularly for non-Muslims. Netto perceives Samsuri as calm, friendly, and promising, though still not enough to convince. A mere hour-long speech pales in comparison to fully understanding a leader's potential.

While a single session cannot address all questions about a political figure, it sets the initial impression. To truly grasp who the future Terengganu Menteri Besar is, the assessment should extend beyond the initial interaction to records, personality, achievements, and leadership experience. Samsuri has been governing Terengganu since 2018, providing ample time to evaluate his approach and leadership capabilities.

Running a state involves more than delivering good speeches; it means addressing the economy, finance, development, investments, public welfare, infrastructure, and relations with the federal government. Terengganu's records show a 4.5% increase in its economy in 2024, compared to 2.2% in the previous year. The state's GNPD value rose to approximately RM39.9 billion.

Construction and service sectors grew by 17.5% and 3.9%, respectively. However, a leader's performance should not be limited to GDP alone. The 2026 Malaysia Open Budget Index (MyOBI) placed Terengganu as the best state in Malaysia for budget transparency. This recognition, achieved through an independent research body, signifies the openness and accountability of financial management in the state government.

Another notable indicator is the Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI) 2024, published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia in September 2025. Terengganu ranks the happiest among Malaysian states with a score of 8.64, the highest in the country. Additionally, several Terengganu districts, including Marang, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, and Kemaman, also reported high happiness scores.

However, happiness indices are not a measure of political popularity, and economic indicators do not solve all problems. Yet, they provide a more substantive picture than mere perceptions of personality when evaluating a future leader. From Terengganu to Kemaman, Samsuri's journey represents a significant stage where he contested the PRK Kemaman in December 2023, securing 64,998 votes and winning by a margin of 37,220 votes.

Such a mandate is hard to ignore when assessing his political standing. Having moved from the Terengganu administration to the national stage as a member of Parliament, Samsuri's challenge now extends beyond the state to national issues such as national economy, living costs, education, job opportunities, energy, technology, and federal-state relations.

As the chairman of the Perikatan Nasional (PN), his role has expanded beyond being merely a Terengganu Menteri Besar or a Kemaman MP. He now leads a coalition seeking to offer itself as an alternative in national politics. Malaysia needs a bridgebuilder. The message of Samsuri in the Peace and Harmony program encapsulates this. While his speech cannot erase all doubts or questions about PAS and PN, especially among non-Muslim communities, building trust takes time.

It requires dialogue, interaction, and readiness to listen. More importantly, words about harmony need to be translated into actions and leadership approaches. Malaysia cannot be governed by understanding just one group of society. A national leader must comprehend the concerns of Malays, but simultaneously, they must reassure all citizens, including Chinese, Indian, Sabah, Sarawak, and other communities, that they have a place in the country's future.

Beyond being a technocrat, Samsuri's technical background as an aerospace engineer adds a unique dimension to his political profile. However, what matters most is whether technical training translates into systematic, analytical, and solution-oriented thinking. Malaysia faces complex challenges like rising living costs.