KUALA LUMPUR – The recent electoral outcomes have put Umno in a position it may not have anticipated. However, as the old adage goes, “it’s always darkest before dawn”.
Umno’s current situation, though challenging, might just be the catalyst needed for a transformative resurgence.
While Perikatan Nasional (PN) witnessed a surge in support, its inability to seize Putrajaya or clinch victories in Selangor, Penang, and Negri Sembilan suggests a ceiling to its appeal.
Malay backing for PN appears to have peaked, and any electoral shifts in the future may be limited or even not be in its favour.
Interestingly, amidst the challenges, Umno has witnessed a silver lining. A noticeable uptick in non-Malay support indicates a broadening base.
Historically, Umno’s stronghold has been the Malay electorate.
However, the shift suggests an evolving political landscape, opening new avenues for Umno to capitalise upon.
Emotions often play a pivotal role in electoral decisions.
Many Malay voters, possibly driven by feelings of discontent or disillusionment, opted for alternative political entities in this election.
However, these emotions are transient. As Umno embarks on a journey of introspection, reinvention, and rejuvenation over the next four years, it stands a good chance of regaining the trust and support of its traditional voter base.
Umno’s inherent strength lies in its structured organisation and unwavering party discipline. These principles have been the bedrock of its existence since its inception.
By reverting to its foundational ideals and reconnecting with grassroots sentiments, Umno can carve a path to revival.
The party’s challenge now is to recalibrate its strategies, prioritise party unity, and re-establish its image as a guardian of Malay rights while continuing to appeal to a wider demographic.
Opportunity for rebirth
Some senior party leaders said that while the recent elections may appear as a setback for Umno, they also presented a golden opportunity for rebirth.
A return to its core values, combined with strategic adaptations to current socio-political trends, can set Umno on a trajectory of resurgence.
The road to the next election will be crucial. If Umno can effectively navigate this period, embracing both self-renewal and broader inclusivity, it might just witness a turnaround, reasserting its dominance in Malaysia’s political landscape.
Iskandar Puteri MP Liew Chin Tong also seems to concur, saying PN appeared to have reached its limits.
He said it is unlikely for the federal government to collapse, considering Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s parliamentary confidence.
This diminishes the possibility of a mid-term government change akin to the Sheraton Move and that PN will remain as an opposition for the remainder of its term.
No room for Perikatan coup?
Liew added that the inability to win Selangor implied no immediate coup to topple the Anwar government.
This could marginalise PN leaders like Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over time.
He said emerging figures like the Kedah and Terengganu menteris besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, are gaining prominence, and it resonates with potential generational shifts within PAS.
Liew pointed out that PN faced challenges in transcending its predominantly Malay coalition to garner non-Malay support.
Relying solely on Malay voters to win Selangor exposes a structural handicap.
His insights echo the need for coalitions to appeal across ethnic lines to secure federal power – a goal PN has struggled to achieve.
Ideally, there is a need to construct a robust multi-ethnic coalition to mitigate ethnic tensions, which could arise from PN’s Malay-centric appeals.
The lack of such an effort could favour the unity government.
Bearing these in mind, it is still too early to write off Umno, as the party will surely rise from the ashes.
Just remember that PKR was almost totally wiped out in 2004, only to return and win formidably in 2008. – The Vibes, August 15, 2023
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