Learn from Anwar if you want to be PM, Zaid tells KJ

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim offered words of wisdom to former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin if he has ambitions to helm Putrajaya, that is to take a page from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s playbook.

Zaid suggested that Khairy's cautious approach may hinder his chances of reaching the prime minister seat.

"He has the good looks, is enormously popular with women voters, and has the money to take on the top leaders in Umno. He just needs to be less constrained by the immediate cost-benefit analysis.

"Take some high-grade risks for a longer-term reward," he said on X.

Zaid praised Anwar’s recent strategic decision to align closer with Russia and join the Brics grouping, describing it as a bold move solidifying Anwar's aspirations to become a global Muslim leader.

However, Zaid noted that Khairy took a more cautious stance, expressing concerns that this move could upset the United States.

Khairy, in his latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, highlighted the relatively small trade volume between Malaysia and Russia - about RM14 billion - compared to Malaysia’s much larger economic ties with China, questioning the wisdom of risking relations with the US.

"KJ is an astute politician who prioritises cost-benefit analysis, and by that measure, Anwar’s move may seem unwise and risky," Zaid said.

Eye on world stage

Zaid claimed that Anwar’s ambitions go beyond being the prime minister.

"Anwar sees himself as a global leader of the Muslim world. For him, leading Malaysia is just the first step in his larger quest," he added.

Zaid explained that Anwar, like other Muslim leaders who have faced challenges from the US, is aware of the risks but understands that to fulfil his ambitions, he needs to forge relationships with other global powers like China and Russia.

"Anwar knows that offending America is not difficult, as seen in the cases of (former Libya leader Muammar) Gaddafi, (former Iraqi president) Saddam Hussein, and (former Pakistani PM) Imran Khan," Zaid said, referencing the downfall of these leaders after challenging US interests.

Anwar recently concluded a two-day visit to Vladivostok, Russia, where he held talks with President Vladimir Putin.

The discussions focused on potential collaborations in aerospace and advanced technologies.

During the visit, Anwar accepted Putin's invitation to attend the upcoming Brics summit, which will take place from Oct 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia.

Malaysia had submitted its application to join the bloc of emerging economies in July.

Prior to Zaid’s advice for Khairy to learn from the premier, Khairy and Hot FM yesterday came under fire after it appeared he had mocked Anwar by emulating a line - “Hari ini saya menang, esok…” (If I win today, tomorrow I will…) - the prime minister often used to make promises before winning the last general election.

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