Next-Gen Malay Populists: Sanusi Md Nor and Akmal Saleh

This chapter analyses the strategic populist strategies utilised by Sanusi Md Nor and Akmal Saleh, two emerging Malay politicians who predominantly employ ethnonationalist populism against Pakatan Harapan and the DAP. Furthermore, this chapter examines the viewpoints of these two leaders about the established elites and marginalised communities in order to have a deeper understanding of their populist approach. Utilising ethnonationalist populism is a successful method for new leaders in a polarised Malaysia to get support from the Malay population after previous populists having laid the foundation. Their upbringing also sets them apart from other Malay leaders who come from privileged backgrounds. The chapter concludes by contrasting Sanusi’s triumph over Akmal, which can be attributed to PAS’ adeptness in merging ethnonationalist and Islamist populism compared to Akmal's UMNO.