KUALA LUMPUR – May 9, 2018 was arguably Umno’s darkest day in history – the party was brought to its knees as it was ushered out of Putrajaya in the aftermath of the 14th general election.
Its defeat in the polls – the party’s first – not only left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s “grand old party”, but has also permanently altered the country’s political landscape.
Now back in government, it has been relegated to playing second fiddle to Bersatu, a party comprising mainly Umno defectors.
But three years down the road, and exactly 75 years after it was formed, political observers still see Umno as Malaysia’s dominant party and the one to beat come GE15, as far as numbers are concerned.
National Council of Professors senior fellow Prof Jeniri Amir pointed out that the role Umno has played in the country’s modern history, which stretches all the way back to the party’s formation on May 11, 1946, is undeniable.
In the aftermath of World War II, Umno was set up to protect the sovereignty of the larger Malay population.
Its most important contribution, however, would come not long later as then party president Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj would lead Malaysia to its independence on August 31, 1957. The rest, as they say, is history.
“It cannot be denied they have done so much in their struggle and contribution to our political and economic development,” Jeniri told The Vibes.
In the decades that ensued, Umno would continue to have its grip on Putrajaya, winning every single general election until the fateful GE14.
For Jeniri, it was the rampant corruption involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd that implicated then president and prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, that sealed Umno’s fate three years ago.
“Let’s be objective and professional when we do this assessment. If you put aside the 1MDB saga, you have to admit that Umno has done very well.”
Camaraderie, new faces required
Now, as the country gears itself for the next elections which are scheduled in two years, Jeniri said two factors will be key in ensuring Umno remains dominant – address the infighting within and remove tainted leaders who have become the face of the party.
Chiefly, he said, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his immediate predecessor Najib should make way for others to take over, in order to ensure Umno remains attractive.
“They should be big-hearted, swallow their ego and step down. Personal sacrifice is now vital if they want the rakyat to look up to Umno. Moving forward, this is the key, portraying Umno as clean.
“If they can do that, I think Umno is going to be great again,” he said.
On the existence of factions within the party, Jeniri said Umno should look back and learn from the lessons of the past.
This is in reference to the various rivalries within, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad-Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Dr Mahathir-Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Najib-Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, all of which led to the formation of splinter parties.
“There is a lot of bickering at the moment. They should set their priorities straight, and that is to make Umno the leading party in the government.”
Regardless, Jeniri said, as has always been the case, he believes Umno will be able to ride out the current storm, which has seen a split between those with government positions and those without.
He added that the 22 months that Umno served as the opposition have been a good wake-up call for the party.
Most Malaysians remember Umno’s contributions
Universiti Utara Malaysia academic Prof Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said despite being weakened by recent developments and defections, Umno remains the most dominant party and the most prominent among the Malays.
“They continue to enjoy the most support from the Malays. I think the people remember that overall, Malaysia has prospered under their leadership,” he said.
Azizuddin pointed out that while in power, Umno introduced numerous policies and transformation plans that have been greatly beneficial to the people.
Among others, he said, the 1Malaysia concept designed by Najib, promoting ethnic harmony and national unity, and the New Economic Policy introduced in 1970 should be commended.
“Yes, there were certain policies, like the introduction of GST (goods and services tax), and the issue of corruption that have marred Umno’s six decades in power, but that does not take away their good work in the government.
“I would say their administration and policies have been very good, and even during Najib’s era, Barisan Nasional has been very good and solid.”
Like Jeniri, Azizuddin said Umno’s main focus now should be to nip infighting in the bud and promote new faces, particularly among the younger generation.
“They need to identify new credible leaders to lead and replace the old guard. They need to make the party more attractive, especially to younger Malaysians.
“Give it a fresh look and approach. A youthful Umno, if you might.”
However, Azizuddin believes both Zahid and Najib still have a role to play in Umno, noting their huge influence among party leaders, members and the grassroots.
“It’s difficult to see another faction taking control of the party. That said, younger leaders like its information chief, Shahril Sufian Hamdan, should be given more ‘screen time’.
“These people need to be promoted through the ranks as future leaders. And there’s no better time than ahead of the elections. Umno cannot afford to sideline this group,” he said. – The Vibes, May 11, 2021
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