Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos has explained the reason he named Pakatan Harapan de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim as the best person to lead Umno in the wake of BN's defeat in the 14th general election.

The firebrand politician, who has been on the run from the police since last month, said Anwar is the only leader capable of uniting the Malays.

“At this moment, Umno requires the support of the grassroots and... I see that only Anwar can unite the Malays,” Jamal says in a video sent via Whatsapp.

Stressing it was his personal opinion, Jamal said there was nothing wrong with accepting his suggestion if it can bring good.

“What is wrong in thinking and looking towards the future of this beloved nation,” he added.

The red shirts' leader also noted that Anwar was once Umno deputy president, prior to his sacking in 1998.

In the video clip released yesterday, Jamal proposed that Anwar leads Umno with former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi serving as the party's number two.

Zahid is now the de facto Umno president following the resignation of Najib Abdul Razak.

Police have obtained an arrest warrant for Jamal, who has offered himself for the Umno Youth chief post, after he fled from the Ampang Jaya Specialist Hospital on May 25 after an improvised court proceeding.

He was charged for a protest he held outside the State Secretariat building in Shah Alam and is also being investigated for a firearms offence.

Jamal claims that he is being victimised by the new government.