GE14 | Penang Umno chief Zainal Abidin Osman's decision not to contest in the coming 14th general election (GE14) has raised speculation in his opponent's camp that Umno may be facing a leadership crisis in Penang.

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said the former Nibong Tebal MP's surprising announcement comes in the wake of BN chairperson-cum-caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's rare visit to Balik Pulau.

Saifuddin (photo above) questioned the timing of the announcement when GE14 - deemed the 'mother of all elections' - is just three weeks away, saying the development involving Zainal Abidin is "interesting" and "gives a signal of sorts" that something is brewing in the state Umno leadership.

He said Zainal Abidin is a veteran Umno politician, experienced and has been entrusted with the mandate to defend and protect Malay rights in Penang.

"However, the message he has sent in announcing that he has decided not to contest in GE14 shows that Umno and BN have no confidence to recapture Penang," Saifuddin told Malaysiakini.

"I believe Zainal Abidin can see for himself that the state government, via PKR, has managed to uphold the position of Malays in Penang very well, that it seems as if the Umno man has given up contesting in the state after losing in the previous two elections, in 2008 and 2013.

"He can see that Malay rights in Penang have been ensured and protected in these 10 years of Pakatan Harapan rule in the state," Saifuddin added.

Nevertheless, he wished Zainal Abidin (photo) all the best in his future endeavours, adding that if Zainal Abdidin wished to change his political direction, "PKR always has an open approach".

"We shall give you some time to think about your future plans," quipped Saifuddin, who is caretaker chief minister Lim Guan Eng's strategy advisor.

Yesterday, while he accompanied Najib on a visit to Balik Pulau, Zainal Abidin issued a statement to the press, announcing his decision not to contest in GE14.

Zainal Abidin said he had conveyed his wish to Najib about two years ago, and his boss has finally relented, to let him go and replace a "fresh face" for the Nibong Tebal seat.

PKR won the Nibong Tebal parliamentary seat in southern Seberang Perai in the 2008 and 2013 general elections, with the incumbent MP being Penang PKR chief Mansor Othman.

'Zainal Abidin is of good character'

In 2013, Zainal Abidin, a former deputy minister, lost to Mansor, then the former Penang deputy chief minister I, on a big majority of 8,598 votes.

Saifuddin said Zainal Abidin is of good character, but may not be robust or aggressive enough to withstand the current developments in Umno and BN.

"The party now faces a challenging time, with the split in ties between Najib and former prime minister and current Bersatu leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad," Saifuddin said.

He asked if Umno Penang has named the state's liaison chief's successor, saying that there seemed to be a lack of capable Umno leaders in Penang.

"Some elected leaders may have performed in their respective constituencies, but questions arise if they are able to lead Umno Penang," Saifuddin said.

Umno sources say that the new Penang Umno chief would only be announced after GE14, which has been fixed on May 9, with nomination day on April 28.

Speculation is rife that there are three possible candidates for the post - Kepala Batas MP Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Bagan Umno division chief and former state Umno Youth chief Shaik Hussein Mydin and Pulau Betong assemblyperson Muhamad Farid Saad - who has been very vocal in criticising the Penang government over its development policies.