Zahid will be PM if ‘blue wave’ wins GE16, predicts Ong

Political analyst Ong Kian Ming foresees Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi assuming the role of Prime Minister if the BN-PN alliance prevails in the upcoming general election (GE16). Ong believes the narrative of Malay-Muslim unity will pave the way for a 'blue wave' victory. He anticipates PAS to secure a higher number of seats compared to BN, but foresees the latter's support from Sabah and Sarawak parties as crucial for Zahid to assume the top post.

According to Ong, BN and PN would secure over 112 parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia and form a coalition government with GPS and GRS. The former DAP MP believes Zahid's chances of becoming prime minister are better than any other Umno leader due to the inclination to avoid leadership hierarchy issues. Ong also predicts Pakatan Harapan's return to the opposition bench, retaining around 40 to 50 parliamentary seats, and the potential collapse of Selangor's PH-led government.

He predicts BN will not defend all 21 seats in Melaka, instead giving four to PN in exchange for PAS-held seats in Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu. However, a major obstacle could arise if the two parties fail to agree on seat allocation. Ong does not anticipate BN to call for GE16 at the moment but suggests that GPS and GRS could become more receptive to this idea after the 2027 budget is presented next month. If this scenario occurs, it might lead to the dissolution of Parliament and GE16 being called.