Umno delegates dream of return to past dominance

ANALYSIS | BN's victory in the Nenggiri by-election contributed to the celebratory mood shown by party leaders and its delegates gathered at World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur yesterday for this year's Umno general assembly.

From the start, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's talk of the victory in Nenggiri was based on the seat's perceived significance in rekindling Umno's fighting spirit.

This year's general assembly saw more enthusiasm from delegates - unlike during the party's annual gatherings held after its fall from power in the 14th general election in 2018, and the even more crushing defeat in the 15th general election.

Nine by-elections were held after GE15 and the BN candidate in Nenggiri was the first to "flip" an incumbent elected representative, not only recapturing the Kelantan state seat but also defeating PAS' candidate with a larger majority.

Reflecting on the party's worst losses and recent victory, Umno's current position in government as well as its future direction leading to GE16 was a heated topic debated across all levels at the assembly.

Umno was the dominant party in the BN-led government for six decades up until GE14.

Even though the party returned to federal power, its influence is shrinking among new coalition partners with more seats.

Therefore, to reclaim dominance, Umno not only needs to be seen as relevant but also in line with the preferences of the people.

This saw Umno and its delegates play up its usual role claiming to be the core party for the Malays, always championing and defending the position of the Malay rulers and the sanctity of Islam against perceived threats.

Zahid insisted that the party would not hesitate to leave the government if the position of the Malays, rulers and the sanctity of Islam were not upheld.

Politically divided

However, Umno's challenge in its mission to reclaim dominance lies in the party's ability to restore the confidence and support of the Malay electorate who are now more politically divided than ever.

With the presence of PAS and Bersatu, Umno - which lost the support of the Malays in GE15 - has a big challenge in convincing the majority that only Umno can protect their fate.

It could be tough considering its old bogeyman DAP is part of the coalition government.

The people must also take note of Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani’s message to the delegates where he said the narrative of the Malays needing Umno needs to be changed to Umno needing Malay support.

In its journey towards GE16, Zahid, Umno leaders and delegates debated two possible paths - to go solo or continue with existing partners in the government.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh envisioned a solo trip for BN to Putrajaya but Zahid hit the brakes, saying the party must consider current political dynamics before making any decision.

The deputy prime minister’s views are in line with the changing times and increased political competition in the country.

Even so, in addition to GE16 preparations, the Umno assembly also focused on more immediate goals to maintain its Nenggiri momentum - starting with the upcoming Mahkota by-election.

This included a debate over the party's candidate choice - with Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad and Akmal each openly lobbying for their wing's candidate to be fielded.

Umno’s women’s wing also “sent” Zahid’s daughter Nurulhidayah to defend "its crown" but Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said any decision made will be based on a candidate’s winnability rather than quota.

The Najib factor

Zahid and Umno's leadership made clear attempts to convince supporters that the party did not abandon former premier Najib Abdul Razak and their promise to get him out of prison.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dasuki announced that a majority of divisions, 72 out of 171, had submitted motions for Najib to be granted full amnesty.

Zahid, at the end of his winding-up speech, once again assured that Umno will continue the party's bid to “seek justice and freedom” for Najib, with the former even dedicating a poem to his predecessor.

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