THE 2025 Umno Annual General Assembly (AGM) set to open on 14 January at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, arrives at a critical juncture as the party seeks to consolidate grassroots support amid an increasingly competitive political landscape.
With the 16th General Election (PRU16) looming before 2028, the gathering of over 6,400 delegates from 191 divisions across Malaysia is expected to focus on the party’s future trajectory, its position within the Unity Government, and key leadership matters.
In the run-up to the AGM, Umno President and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attracted attention by announcing the formation of a new organisation outside the traditional political framework, officially slated for launch on the closing day of the assembly, 17 January.
Dr Zahid confirmed that the Cabinet of the Unity Government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had approved the initiative.
The postponement of the assembly from November 2025, originally due to the Sabah State Election, has elevated its significance as a forum for evaluating party performance, policies, and strategic direction.
Notably, none of the 662 motions submitted by 175 Umno divisions advocate leaving the Unity Government, despite prior calls from some quarters.
Instead, Setiausaha Agung Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki revealed that 104 divisions are seeking full pardon for former Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, currently serving a prison sentence.
Political analyst Mujibu Abdul Muis of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Zamil Research Ilham Centre predicted that the party’s role in the Unity Government would remain a heated topic among delegates, even in the absence of an official motion.
He noted that previous calls by Umno Youth on 3 January for the party to exit the government and revive cooperation with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional framework are likely to resurface.
“Even if top leadership prefers not to table it formally, it will be raised because the grassroots demand a clear stance on Umno’s political direction before PRU16,” Mujibu said.
Dr Ahmad Zahid has previously emphasised that Umno will remain in the coalition government with Pakatan Harapan, led by Datuk Anwar Ibrahim, until the current term ends.
Mujibu added that discussions during the AGM would likely be influenced by Umno’s performance in the Sabah State Election in late November 2025, where the party secured only five of the 14 seats contested, with an additional seat won by coalition partner Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
“While Sabah’s political context differs from Peninsular Malaysia, Umno has historically treated it as a stronghold. The loss still affects morale and internal discussions,” he said.
Attention will also focus on Umno Youth Chief and Melaka State Executive Councillor Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, who is expected to announce his position within the party and government after previously calling for Umno to leave the Unity Government.
The move gained traction following criticism from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) over Najib’s court cases.
Political analyst Professor Dr Azmi Hassan, however, does not expect Dr Akmal to resign, noting that the Melaka assemblyman has stated any decision on his status will be referred to the Umno President and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, while he also retains the role of BN Youth Chief.
Azmi further predicted that the AGM will serve as a platform for Umno to finalise its top leadership ahead of the party elections expected in March.
“As before, the positions of President and Deputy President are unlikely to be contested, while other roles may open to competition. This assembly is expected to confirm the party’s number one and two leadership positions, continuing existing practice,” he told Berita Harian.
The AGM commences with the simultaneous inauguration of Umno’s wings at 8 pm on 14 January by Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, culminating on the morning of 16 January with the President’s Policy Address by Datuk Ahmad Zahid. - January 13, 2026
