Azmin Ali, politically doomed?

Is Datuk Seri Azmin Ali doomed?

That is the question that needs to be asked in the aftermath of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by election over the weekend.

Selangor Bersatu muscled its way to field its own man in a seat that was previously contested by Gerakan. The seat was even offered to MIPP initially, said a source in the know.

Bersatu’s Khairul Azhari Saut was defeated by DAP’s Pang Sock Tao with a majority of 3,869 votes in a four cornered fight to retain the semi-urban mixed constituency.

Azmin who is state opposition leader was also Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign director.

As a campaign director in Kuala Kubu Baharu, he failed to galvanise the support of Perikatan Nasional partner – Pas to the point that it was glaring for any observer.

In Bersatu, he heads the Selangor chapter. Azmin is also an appointed member of the party’s supreme leadership council.

Selat Kelang state assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asar switched his allegiance favoring Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari in March.

This happened while Bersatu is led by Azmin.

Here is a point of caution. Party polls for Bersatu is scheduled this year.

Once a leader with high potential as he was a Menteri Besar and a federal minister. He was even in the race to dislodge Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

But this is all in the past.

Politics is about now and the future.

Khairul Azhari’s defeat is Azmin’s loss.

It would determine Azmin’s political longevity and relevance.