CLAIMS that UMNO has lost its strength or relevance are entirely unfounded, said UMNO Supreme Council Member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who attributed the party’s 2022 general election setback to strategic misjudgement rather than diminished influence.
“UMNO is not weak, as some have said. The real issue was a poor gamble in choosing the date of the general election in 2022,” Harian Metro cited him saying today.
“At that time, we were still in power and the Prime Minister was from UMNO, but because we picked the wrong timing, we were defeated — lost to the deepest ocean, as it were.”
Speaking at the opening of the UMNO Bachok Division delegates meeting on Saturday, Ahmad pointed to the party’s recent performance in a string of by-elections as proof of its enduring support base.
“In by-elections such as Nenggiri, Pelangai, Tioman, Ayer Kuning, and Mahkota, we secured victories — that shows we are still strong,” he said.
He urged party members and campaign machinery not to lose spirit ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16), stressing that grassroots activity must continue even on a small scale.
“UMNO at all levels must maintain constant engagement with the people, ensure that all segments of our machinery — including veterans — work together, and manage voters’ emotions well,” he said.
“If we look after these elements, God willing, we will build strong momentum and can achieve victory in GE16.
“Even in Kelantan, though we did not win, we must not feel inferior or give up, because nothing is impossible in the future.”
Separately, Ahmad confirmed that the issue of lifting the suspension of UMNO member and former minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein is expected to be raised at the upcoming Supreme Council meeting on Monday.
“If the Johor UMNO Liaison Committee Chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi brings it up, then of course it will be discussed,” he said.
“I’m not saying I support or oppose it — the matter must follow established procedures. The suspension decision was originally made by the Supreme Council, so any further decision must also go through the Council.”
Ahmad was speaking to reporters after officiating the UMNO Bachok Division meeting.
Earlier media reports indicated that the UMNO Sembrong Division had proposed that Hishammuddin’s six-year suspension, which began on 27 January 2023, be lifted in light of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the next general election.
Several political analysts have also weighed in, suggesting that UMNO should consider reinstating suspended or expelled leaders based on their past contributions and loyalty to the party.
Professor Datuk Dr P Sivamurugan of Universiti Sains Malaysia noted that such reinstatements are not unprecedented in the party’s history and should be weighed in the current context of party unity. - June 28, 2025
