Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said that following Salahuddin’s death last July, Amanah’s performance in government had become somewhat sluggish.

Before his death, Salahuddin, who was the domestic trade and cost of living minister, had introduced the “Rahmah” concept, which offered food at affordable prices, Mazlan said.

He said the Rahmah programme was well received and had a huge impact.

“But the momentum died with him. Amanah leaders in government now need to double their efforts and introduce impactful projects.

“Now that Salahuddin is no longer around, we don’t see a lot of high-impact initiatives,” he told FMT.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu is the agriculture and food security minister, while vice-president Dzulkefly Ahmad is the health minister.

Wanita Amanah chief Aiman Athirah Sabu is the deputy housing and local government minister while another vice-president, Adly Zahari, is the deputy defence minister.

Mazlan said that Pulai MP Suhaizan Kaiat was among other leaders who should be put forward, apart from youth chief Hasbie Muda.

“They are among those whom I feel have the potential to galvanise Amanah, if given the opportunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara said that Amanah’s role in championing Malay-Muslim issues – a responsibility it was likely tasked with by Pakatan Harapan (PH) – had diminished now that Umno was part of the unity government.

He said the reduced role was detrimental to PH as it meant that the PAS splinter party would not be able to contribute seats for any big push by the coalition.

“The other components would be in a precarious position,” he said, referring to PKR and DAP.

“The time is ripe for Amanah to chart a new course, to avoid becoming irrelevant.”