UMNO remains a cornerstone of the unity government and has played a decisive role in preserving political stability, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said on Tuesday, amid renewed internal calls for the party to withdraw from the ruling coalition.
Saifuddin, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general, said Umno’s participation and political maturity had helped sustain unity within the federal administration.
“They have eight ministers, and they hold a very strong role in the unity government. I believe the political maturity that was demonstrated by Umno helped maintain political stability and unity,” he told reporters after an identity card handover ceremony.
Responding to suggestions that Umno and PAS should revive the Muafakat Nasional alliance, Saifuddin said PAS should first resolve its own internal challenges.
“I believe they can solve their matters in Perlis beforehand. They can learn from how the unity government solves political matters within,” he said.
The remarks come after Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh urged the party to withdraw its support for the unity government and move to the Opposition, alleging breaches of so-called red lines involving race, religion and royalty.
Earlier on Tuesday, Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed such calls, reaffirming that the party would remain in the unity government until the next general election and would not entertain any “back door” attempt to topple the administration.
Meanwhile, MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong criticised what he described as a lingering narrative among some Barisan Nasional leaders that the coalition should simply be grateful to be part of the government.
He said such thinking must change, stressing that principled leadership should not be measured by positions alone.
“Be grateful not because of titles or positions, but because of the trust and responsibility that have been entrusted to us. Be grateful that Malaysia remains peaceful and stable as a result of BN’s sacrifices, experience and sense of responsibility,” he said in a statement.
“Without BN, the unity government would not exist. Without BN, the formation and continuity of the federal government and several state governments would not be possible with the stability we enjoy today.”
Choo Seong added that the public judges leaders not by the seats they occupy but by the values they uphold.
He said Malaysians respect leaders who are sincere, humble, courageous in defending the truth even in difficult circumstances, and who work tirelessly for the people based on integrity and a clear sense of purpose.
“Politics is not a shortcut to power, privilege or personal gain. Politics is a trust,” he said. “Positions are temporary. Power does not last forever. But our attitudes, actions and commitment to serve will be remembered even after titles are gone. Choose service over self-interest.” - January 6, 2025
