UMNO has steadfastly upheld its foundational principles and its advocacy for the Malay and Islamic communities, despite participation in Malaysia’s unity government alongside DAP, Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki asserted.
Addressing critics who allege that the party has ceded ground to DAP, Asyraf challenged them to provide any evidence of compromise.
“So far, there has not been a single instance showing that Umno has ‘given in’ or ‘made way’ for DAP at the expense of our core principles,” he said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia.
He cited the party’s successful opposition to proposals for local elections and the appointment of non-Muslim experts to the Committee to Study the Powers of the Shariah Court, both of which were ultimately shelved.
Umno also rejected a suggestion by DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming to nominate Chinese New Villages as UNESCO World Heritage sites, warning of potential implications for Malay interests. “Because of Umno’s stance, the matter was never brought to the cabinet,” Asyraf said.
More recently, Umno resisted the Urban Renewal Bill, prompting its postponement for amendments. Asyraf said this underscored the party’s role as the primary guardian of Malay and Islamic interests within government.
He added that no party had dared to contest national policies affecting Bumiputera communities, including those relating to tahfiz schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which alone is expected to benefit 250,000 students, most of whom are Bumiputera.
Highlighting Umno’s administrative influence, Asyraf noted that Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), which he chairs, now commands a budget exceeding RM4.1 billion, surpassing that of several state governments.
He emphasised that Umno ministers remain vocal in cabinet meetings, meticulously scrutinising each policy proposal to assess its impact on Islam and the Bumiputera population.
“This is Umno’s struggle,” he said, noting that the party retains oversight of strategic ministries and agencies, including rural and regional development, defence, higher education, Mara, Felda, and Felcra.
Regarding the party’s political trajectory, Asyraf affirmed Umno’s continued commitment to the unity government for national stability until the 16th General Election.
“After that, no one can stop Umno and Barisan Nasional from working with any party. That is clear. This is not election season, and we are not in a position where we must make a decision now,” he said. - January 13, 2026
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