Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali may emerge as the new opposition de facto leader if he can ensure Pakatan Harapan wins the Sungai Besar by-election, said former minister Zaid Ibrahim.

However, he pointed out that it hinges upon the PKR deputy president making the right decision, which is to allow Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) to contest the seat.

"If he - together with DAP - can ensure Amanah’s victory, then he will emerge as the new leader of the opposition coalition of Pakatan Harapan, unseating Anwar Ibrahim.
 
"Even the move by some PKR members to remove Azmin will not succeed," he added, explaining that the party deputy president would be able to consolidate his position.

According to Zaid, if Harapan wins in the by-election, then Amanah and DAP would value Azmin's contributions.

The June 18 Sungai Besar and Kuala Selangor by-elections come amid speculation of a worsening rift in PKR.

The party was hit by two back-to-back explosive issues - the scathing letter from Anwar, who is serving a five-year prison term, and an allegation of money and women being sought during negotiations with the Selangor state government.

Azmin has since described the corruption allegation as a smear campaign while PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli said he would hand over the evidence to party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Speculation is also rife that there are attempts to axe Rafizi as secretary-general, a move which observers claim could further erode confidence in the opposition party.

Meanwhile, Zaid (photo) also described the by-elections as a test of Amanah and PAS' strengths.

"This contest is therefore a mouth-watering prospect, especially if Azmin goes all the way to support (Amanah president Mohamad Sabu) Mat Sabu instead of PAS.

"It’s certain that DAP will hold Mat Sabu’s hands, which the party’s leaders have made very clear," he said.

Zaid pointed out that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is also likely to hit the campaign trail.

"I am sure Mahathir will spend time campaigning in Sungai Besar to help the Citizens’ Declaration candidate, if there is no division among members of the Citizens Group,” he added.

Zaid said if Harapan could settle on a single candidate for the coalition in the by-election, he is also prepared to help.

"If that happens, I too will be tempted to give ceramah (political talks) if invited by the voters of Sungai Besar," he added.