THE Umno Youth chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, has called on the party to withdraw from the current unity government and pursue a strategic partnership with PAS, warning that ongoing compromises in the federal administration threaten Malay rights and Islamic principles.
Addressing delegates at the Umno Youth Special Convention in Kuala Lumpur today, Akmal claimed that infighting among Malays had weakened the community, and that Malay unity was now essential.
“Umno and Pas must become the main drivers. I believe that if Umno and Pas unite, God willing, the Malay community will once again come together,” he said, emphasising that cooperation with smaller parties would only perpetuate fragmentation.
Akmal questioned the value of Umno’s participation in the federal coalition, arguing that the government would maintain a parliamentary majority even without Umno’s 26 seats.
“If Umno is no longer respected, then let them govern without us. Umno is not a party that merely makes up the numbers,” he said.
Defending the call for a return to the opposition bench, Akmal highlighted the party’s resilience following the 2018 general election defeat, noting subsequent by-election victories including in Tanjung Piai.
“Umno did not collapse when it lost power. Umno will only collapse if it bows without dignity,” he said, adding that the push for Malay unity was rooted in defending constitutional rights rather than racial politics.
Political analyst Mujibu Muis of Ilham Centre said the party faces a sharp erosion of support among Malay voters, largely due to dissatisfaction with Umno’s cooperation with DAP.
Citing a survey conducted in the third quarter of 2025, Mujibu estimated that Malay support for Barisan Nasional has fallen below 25 per cent, with around 55 per cent of voters shifting away and approximately 30 per cent remaining loyal.
“Survey findings showed that 62 per cent of respondents rejected Umno’s cooperation with DAP, while only 15 per cent accepted it and 23 per cent remained undecided,” he said.
Mujibu noted, however, that a segment of the electorate continues to value Umno’s presence in government, citing political stability, adherence to the King’s decree, and economic recovery as key factors. - January 3, 2025
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