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

Political commentator Ong Kian Ming anticipates that Barisan Nasional chair Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will become the next prime minister if the alliance between the National Front (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) secures victory in the upcoming general election (GE16). According to Ong, the narrative of Malay-Muslim unity will propel the BN-PN pact to triumph in GE16.

While PAS is anticipated to secure more seats than BN, Zahid is expected to garner support from Sabah and Sarawak parties for the prime ministerial position, according to Sinar Harian. The former DAP leader highlighted that BN and PN are projected to claim over 112 parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia, subsequently forming a coalition government alongside Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

Ong emphasized that Zahid holds a more favorable prospect of becoming prime minister compared to other Umno leaders due to the potential recurrence of leadership hierarchy disputes. Furthermore, Ong foresees Pakatan Harapan returning to the opposition bench with approximately 40 to 50 parliamentary seats, potentially rendering the Selangor government led by PH unstable.

Additionally, Ong hinted that BN may not contest all 21 seats they won in the recent Melaka state election, opting to cede four seats to PN in exchange for several PAS-held seats in Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu. However, a significant obstacle may arise if both parties fail to reach an accord on seat distribution. Ong also expressed uncertainty regarding BN's ability to compel the calling of GE16 at present, suggesting that the situation could change following the release of the 2027 budget next month.

If a scenario emerges where GPS and GRS support BN's withdrawal of support to the government, it could prompt the dissolution of Parliament and the triggering of GE16. BN has been urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to initiate an early GE16 since tensions escalated between PH and BN following disputes during the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

PN, which aided BN in obtaining a two-thirds majority in the Negeri Sembilan assembly during the Aug 1 polls, has also endorsed calls for a snap general election. However, Anwar dismissed the notion, asserting that the government remains stable and its primary focus remains on enhancing the well-being of the populace and managing the economy.