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Zahid's PM Chances Diminishing: Khairy

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. 02/20/zahid-s-pm-chances-diminishing-khairy.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 5:44 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
      Locales: Selangor, MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR - February 20th, 2026 - The already precarious position of Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate appears to be rapidly deteriorating, according to former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. In a series of statements released today, Khairy asserted that the mounting legal challenges facing Zahid, coupled with intensifying internal opposition within his own party, are significantly diminishing his chances of securing the nation's highest office.

Khairy, a consistently vocal critic of Zahid's leadership, framed the situation as a convergence of two damaging forces: the relentless pursuit of legal accountability and a deliberate campaign by rivals within Umno to weaken Zahid's grip on power. "The more charges he faces, the less likely he is to be prime minister," Khairy stated plainly on social media, echoing a sentiment increasingly shared amongst political observers.

Zahid currently grapples with a staggering 47 charges - a complex web of accusations encompassing bribery, money laundering, and abuse of power. These charges stem from allegations related to his stewardship of Yayasan Akalbudi, a foundation he formerly led while serving as a minister. The allegations involve the purported misuse of millions of ringgit, painting a picture of systemic financial impropriety. Beyond the Akalbudi foundation, Zahid also faces charges concerning criminal breach of trust, bribery, and money laundering connected to the handling of the foreign visa system - a sensitive area given Malaysia's reliance on foreign worker programs. Furthermore, accusations related to land procurement add another layer of complexity to the legal quagmire surrounding the Umno President.

The sheer volume and severity of these charges are undeniably casting a long shadow over Zahid's political future. Political analysts concur that sustaining a credible bid for the Prime Ministership while simultaneously battling such substantial legal battles is, at best, exceptionally difficult and, at worst, insurmountable. The prolonged nature of the court proceedings and the constant media scrutiny are eroding public trust and damaging Zahid's image as a viable leader.

Khairy's assessment goes beyond simply acknowledging the legal hurdles. He explicitly points to a burgeoning power struggle within Umno, highlighting the active efforts of Zahid's internal adversaries. These rivals, keen to capitalize on Zahid's vulnerabilities, are reportedly maneuvering to position themselves as alternative candidates for the top job. Khairy specifically identified Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan and Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir as prominent contenders in the burgeoning leadership race.

Mohamad Hasan, known for his no-nonsense approach and experience in managing complex portfolios, is seen by many as a steady hand, potentially offering a degree of stability that Zahid's situation lacks. Zambry Abdul Kadir, while perhaps lacking the same level of political experience as Hasan, is gaining prominence on the international stage and is perceived as a moderate voice within the party. The emergence of these alternatives demonstrates a growing sense of unease within Umno regarding Zahid's long-term viability.

The dynamics within the Umno power structure are further complicated by the broader political landscape. The ruling coalition, while currently holding a majority, remains fragile and susceptible to internal divisions. A protracted leadership battle within Umno could exacerbate these tensions and potentially destabilize the government. The potential for shifting alliances and realignments is high, making the coming months crucial for determining Malaysia's political trajectory.

The situation raises crucial questions about the future of Umno, a party that has dominated Malaysian politics for decades. Will the party rally around Zahid despite the legal challenges, or will it seek a fresh face to lead it into the next general election? The answer will undoubtedly have significant implications for the country's political landscape. Analysts predict a period of intense lobbying and behind-the-scenes negotiations as Umno factions attempt to secure their preferred candidate. The upcoming party elections will be a key indicator of the party's direction and the strength of support for each contender. The spotlight remains firmly fixed on Zahid Hamidi, but the race for the Prime Ministership is clearly gaining momentum, and his path to power is becoming increasingly obstructed.