THE Umno General Assembly 2025, scheduled to begin next week, is expected to be a defining platform for the party to clarify its political direction and demonstrate its readiness for the 16th General Election (GE16).
Attention is likely to centre on grassroots views regarding Umno’s decision to remain in the Unity Government until the end of the current term, a stance that has drawn criticism from sections of the party, particularly its Youth wing, which has called for Umno to withdraw from the administration.
Geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the general assembly is the most appropriate forum for the party to put an end to speculation over whether it intends to stay in government or chart a different political course.
However, the National Council of Professors fellow believes Umno is unlikely to make any drastic move that could undermine political stability.
“Umno must also look ahead. Are they prepared, within the next year and a half, to return to being the opposition? These issues will be debated to ensure a more balanced and objective view,” he told Bernama.
Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities said Umno’s position within the government is expected to dominate debates among delegates.
“This issue needs to be discussed openly at the assembly to secure a mandate from delegates on whether Umno should remain with the Government or pursue an alternative political path,” he said.
Mazlan added that the assembly is also likely to focus on strengthening the Malay and Bumiputera agenda, as well as revitalising the party machinery ahead of GE16, following Umno’s poor showing in the last general election, when it secured only 26 parliamentary seats.
Another political analyst, Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, said the assembly would serve as a platform for consolidation and a reaffirmation of grassroots support for Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Universiti Sains Malaysia academic said such support is crucial before the party finalises its electoral strategy for GE16.
“Post-GE15 election data show that internal divisions weakened Umno’s performance. This assembly is expected to underscore that loyalty to the central leadership is a key prerequisite for party unity and revival,” he said.
The Umno General Assembly 2025 will be held from Jan 14 to 17 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, after being postponed twice last year, in August and November, to allow the party to prepare for the 17th Sabah State Election. - January 8, 2025
