Umno grassroots warming up to Harapan allies

UMNO AGM | Cooperation between Umno and its Pakatan Harapan allies appears to be solidifying as the alliance gains trust from the party grassroots.

This is especially when it comes to running the coalition government together.

When met yesterday, Selangor Umno Youth chief Imran Tamrin told Malaysiakini that the cooperation between Harapan and BN is also progressing smoothly and well.

“This cooperation is aimed at continuing the government administration at both the state and federal levels.

“So, this cooperation is getting better and our relationship in managing the state and country together within the context of the unity government seems to be running smoothly and more effectively.

“Each party and coalition also respects one another and can work together towards achieving the same goals,” he said.

Imran said this when commenting on the cooperation between parties within the coalition government, especially with Umno’s former opponent DAP.

No fear of DAP

For Umno Youth executive council member Shahrul Nasrun Kamaruddin, there is nothing to fear anymore about the cooperation between Umno and Harapan.

He said the cooperation between Harapan and BN should not be seen with an overemphasis on a single party.

“We need to see this cooperation as important for Umno-BN as well as other parties forming the unity government. We cannot only focus on DAP - a party within the unity government - as there are more than 19 parties in the unity government.

“However, what is being played up is the malicious narrative by Perikatan Nasional that DAP is an enemy of Islam and the Malays.

“Why do we need to repeat the same things when Umno grassroots and delegates already know that before we joined the unity government, we signed an agreement with Harapan at that time?

“These promises have never been touched on or questioned by the parties within the unity government. Islam, the Malay race, the rulers... so what else do we have to fear?” he questioned.

Shahrul said PN is still harping on DAP because it is running out of ideas and political capital.

Gradual acceptance

Meanwhile, Setiawangsa Puteri Umno chief Asya Rahman said the cooperation between BN and Harapan was difficult to accept at first.

However, Asya said things have gotten better after several briefing sessions were conducted by the party leadership.

“That cannot be denied but when the party machinery actively conducts briefings, I think the message can be conveyed to the grassroots.

“We have gone through branch and division meetings, and these matters have been informed consistently and continuously. Their acceptance is improving day by day, Insya-Allah, because we understand that each party has its own responsibilities.

“But so far, from what I see, everyone is trying to accept it, not because we want power, but because we hold on to the fact that this is the will and decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”

Labis Umno Youth secretary Mohd Iswan Shah Sulaiman said that Umno has no problem working with Harapan.

“We can work together and there’s no problem. It’s already 2024, and the grassroots need to understand why this decision was made because we believe it is the best for the country. The president made such a decision for the sake of the country.

“We are united and the rumours that Umno has been taken over or controlled by DAP are simply untrue. We can still control DAP because the interests of Malays, Islam and the rulers are still safeguarded under Umno, under our deputy prime minister,” he said.

Satisfied with Zahid

Meanwhile, Umno delegates also expressed satisfaction when asked about the performance of its party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“This is Zahid’s second term as president and we have gone through ups and downs and challenges.

“I am confident that under the president’s leadership, Umno is on the right track for it to rise again as a respected party and organisation that continues to contribute to society and the people, and to build the state and the nation,” said Imran.

For Shahrul, Umno's success in the Nenggiri state by-election earlier this month has proven that Zahid has a new strategy for his party’s survival.

This will be realised in the next election.

“The president has proven that he is open to listening to ideas from all levels, including from divisions, at the central level, as well as the wings on how we want to find the right candidate who can truly bring victory.

“We can also see the president’s wisdom in listening to the ideas of every wing - Youth, Puteri, and Wanita - which means that the president is no longer moving alone.

“I hope that this cooperation from all sides can restore the public’s confidence that Umno-BN is a party that will bring the best for the people’s well-being,” he said.

Najib’s freedom still front and centre

Commenting on the voices urging for former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak’s release from prison, the party leadership is clearly not letting up on doing the best for the former prime minister.

“We are indeed actively working (to fight for Najib’s release), even our president himself, the vice-presidents and the entire supreme council are united in demanding justice for Najib’s release from the persecution he is facing.

“Umno, from time to time, as stated in the president’s briefing, has reiterated its stance and efforts to be together with Najib, and our solidarity remains strong. We will work together to free Najib,” he said.

Iswan added that the president himself has agreed to continue championing his predecessor.

“For me, the president’s leadership has agreed to help fight for Najib’s freedom because he is the best person for the country.

“Without Najib, we wouldn’t be as great as we are today. Alhamdulillah, the leadership of Najib and his late father was enormous.

“Party members respect the court’s decision but at the same time will continue to fight for Najib’s freedom,” he said.

During last year’s Umno general assembly, Zahid also touched on the issue of defending his former boss, even asserting, “One Najib is imprisoned, but many more 'Najibs' will emerge. Thus, the general assembly stage will always be a platform championing Najib.”

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