BARISAN Nasional’s by-election hat-trick took place after Mohamad Hasan was made Umno acting president, and party men are pointing to him as the reason for the pact’s remarkable turnaround.

Yesterday, Mohamad, or fondly known as Tok Mat, retained Rantau for the fourth term, in the third straight win for BN after the Cameron Highlands contest in January and last month’s Semenyih polls. The previous four by-elections since the 14th general election – Sg Kandis, Balakong, Seri Setia and Port Dickson – saw Pakatan Harapan emerging victorious.

Taiping Umno deputy head Ton Zailani Mat Darus said Mohamad’s leadership style is widely accepted by members.

“Because of this, many turned up to campaign for him on a voluntary basis.

“He divided the state according to polling districts, and operations rooms were set up to focus on particular areas,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Under president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who went on leave last December, Umno appeared to lack direction, and saw 17 MPs walking out of the party.

Dr Mohamed Azam Rauzan, of Johor Umno, said Mohamad should lead the party and BN into the 15th general election.

“The way he works, his approach to the party machinery and selecting candidates, are accepted by all quarters. He should be in the role for longer, to ensure that such efforts are continued.

“Tok Mat is on the right track in terms of preparing Umno for GE15.”

In Cameron Highlands, BN fielded Ramli Mohd Noor, who was a direct representative of the pact and not a member of any component, while in Semenyih, Umno branch head Zakaria Hanafi was chosen as candidate instead of someone from the division level, deviating from the usual practice.

End of Zahid’s political career?

Ton Zailani and Azam said backing Mohamad does not mean Zahid is being sidelined, stressing that the latter remains “the official” Umno president.

Zahid can take a leaf out of Najib Razak’s book, said Ton Zailani, referencing the success of the former prime minister’s “Malu Apa, Bossku?” campaign among youth.

“Despite the pressure on him, Najib is still with the party, and is helping in his own way. Zahid can do the same thing by focusing on a particular segment of society.

“At this juncture, it is best to let Tok Mat continue, as his leadership is resonating among members.”

Azam, who is former Penawar assemblyman, said it is best to give Zahid space “to deal with his own issues” before he returns to properly head Umno.

“We can’t forget Zahid’s contributions. He initiated the cooperation with PAS. He is doing a lot behind the scenes. He is playing his part.”

An Umno leader who spoke on condition of anonymity said Mohamad should take on the role of party president.

He said members must learn from the “mistake” in last year’s party polls, which saw Zahid beating – by a landslide – Khairy Jamaluddin, who had the support of those who wanted change in the party, for the presidency.

“The people were disappointed. They viewed Umno as being resistant to change.

“Given the current situation, Umno members can no longer say it is an internal matter, and outsiders shouldn’t poke their noses in the party’s affairs.

“When it comes to elections, the people are the ones who vote, not just Umno members.

“We see that Tok Mat is well received. Some have said they would vote for BN if he became prime minister. If this is what the people want, Umno should seriously consider it.” – April 14, 2019.