Based on the outcome, which he described as a “stalemate on the surface”, Khairy Jamaluddin examined the dilemmas confronting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the options available to him. According to the former Umno Youth chief, the Harapan chairperson is facing “twin dilemmas” - ideological and political.

“His first dilemma is ideological. Will he stay true to his progressive and reformist platform or will he continue to push back against Perikatan Nasional by introducing more conservative policies?

“His base has reacted to the election results by urging Anwar to stop pandering to the ‘Malay right’ and focus on growing the economy, introducing reforms and championing multiculturalism.

“But with such a strong rebuke from Malay voters yet again, Anwar could be tempted to play it both ways: continue with ethnocentric overtures and programmes, and at the same time, hope the economy improves for ordinary Malaysians,” he said in Fulcrum, a publication by the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute.

On the political dilemma, Khairy (above, right) noted how Umno, which Anwar had hoped could battle PN in the Malay heartland, failed to deliver, winning only 19 of the 108 seats contested. “If Umno fails to reform by, amongst other things, removing its deeply unpopular president, Anwar faces an important strategic decision.

Mujaheed : KJ you are not smart at all. pardoning Najib? what about all other convicts in the prison? should not they be pardoned too? Kalau ikut cakap kamu tu KJ corruption akan jadi maharaja lela di negara ini. Mana lah letak nya akal mu

Knucklehead : KJ, such stupid advice!!!! You are so pissed off with Zahid Hamidi that you suggest this out of emotions! Why would AI want to court TSMY who will be running to and fro the court soon?!?!?! Tak masuk akal! Free Najib? Are you stupid or what? Free Najib and lose all your voters in PH!!! #Kebodohan Oxford konon!!