Umno's future in unity govt hinges on power consensus, says Puad
PETALING JAYA : Umno's future role with the unity government is likely to hinge on negotiations to achieve a consensus on policy decisions and on the powers of the prime minister, says Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi.
In a posting in response to an analyst's claim that Umno would need 10 years to rise again, he said Umno's rise meant a return to political dominance and holding the prime minister's post.
Puad said he had predicted it would take Umno 20 years to achieve that aim from the time Barisan Nasional (BN) lost power in 2018. 'Seven years have passed, leaving 12 years, two more than the 10 suggested by analyst Awang Azman Pawi,' he said.
He said Umno had wisely made a strategic decision to be part of the unity government, formed in 2022. 'Being in the unity government has given Umno room to breathe and rise again,' he added.
In the remaining time of the 12-year timeframe, Umno must legitimise its participation in the unity government, as many grassroots members remained wary of the alliance with former political rivals, he said.
'Umno must dominate the national narrative and strengthen its wings. Umno's ministers must be seen to perform,' he said.
Looking ahead, he said a decision on whether to continue with the unity government would depend on expanded political cooperation in achieving policy consensus and negotiations on the powers of the prime minister. He did not elaborate.
However, Umno leaders have in the past sought a greater say in the decisions of the unity government.
Yesterday, FMT reported Awang Azman as saying that the Umno-led BN would need 10 more years to recover its grassroots support before the coalition is capable of going solo in general elections.
'In the long term, Umno will want to be the main player in alliances instead of just supplementing other parties,' he said, adding that dominance was almost a part of Umno's identity.
Puad said in response that Umno would contest the general election under the BN logo but continue to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan to ensure no overlap of seats.
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