PETALING JAYA: As speculation over Selangor’s next menteri besar intensifies, political analysts say the strongest contenders to succeed Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari are not national heavyweights but PKR loyalists with deep grassroots machinery and solid palace rapport.
Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Selangor voters have consistently shown a preference for competency and continuity, making internally groomed technocrats far more plausible than high-profile names with national branding.
“From a merit-based and practical perspective, the names most often viewed as viable are Mohd Najwan Halimi (Kota Anggerik assemblyman), Datuk Borhan Aman Shah (Tanjung Sepat assemblyman) and Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah (Seri Setia assemblyman).
“Each has a steady profile, strong grassroots acceptance and constructive ties with the palace,” Awang Azman told theSun.
He added that the trio are widely regarded within PKR as capable of ensuring administrative stability at a time when the PH-BN state coalition must remain united to counter Perikatan Nasional (PN).
On suggestions that Nurul Izzah Anwar could eventually helm the state, Awang Azman said public reaction would likely be polarised given the emphasis of Selangor on merit-based leadership.
“Nurul Izzah has a strong national brand, a clean image and close ties with NGOs and civil society.
“These attributes resonate with urban, middle-class voters.”
However, he cautioned that concerns about nepotism “cannot be dismissed”.
“There is a genuine risk of perceptions related to family politics because she is the daughter of the prime minister.
“Selangor voters are sensitive to meritocracy, and she lacks state-level administrative experience.
“The state requires an MB who is deeply grounded in policy execution, as demonstrated by Amirudin.”
He said while her appointment may appeal to reform-oriented urban constituencies, party grassroots could be more sceptical, especially among those who prioritise continuity and administrative know-how.
Awang Azman added that such a move may unsettle the PH-BN power balance.
“Her national stature could elevate Selangor’s profile, and she enjoys strong acceptance within DAP.
“But Umno Selangor may feel uneasy, viewing it as PKR dominance without broad consultation.
“Umno voters are particularly sensitive to nepotism, and PN would (likely) weaponise the issue ahead of GE16.”
He said the implications would also extend to the ideological DNA of PKR.
“PKR was founded on a platform against cronyism. Elevating the daughter of the party president to the state’s top position carries symbolic consequences.
“Critics may claim the party is drifting into family politics, a phenomenon political sociologists call ‘Dynastic Drift’.”
Addressing speculation that outgoing Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz could be in the running, Awang Azman described the prospect as “interesting but not realistic”.
“Tengku Zafrul has a strong technocratic profile and good ties with Selangor’s industrial sector.
“However, he does not hold a state seat, Umno Selangor’s grassroots do not strongly support him and PN would portray him as elitist.”
He said ultimately, the decision rests with the Selangor monarchy.
He added that under Articles 53(2)(a) and 55(2)(a) of the Selangor State Constitution, the Sultan has absolute discretion to appoint a menteri besar, selecting any assemblyman His Majesty believes commands majority support.
“In the end, the Sultan’s discretion overrides any party manoeuvring.
“National popularity, technocratic credentials or political branding matter far less than grassroots acceptability and palace confidence.”
