Latest news with #GE15
Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Internal sabotage caused Umno's election losses, says Asyraf
Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki greeting party members at the delegates meeting of the Rantau Panjang Umno division yesterday. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sabotage by party members, not the strength of rival parties, led to Umno's losses in the 2022 general election (GE15), says Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. 'That (sabotage) is what we want to avoid in the future,' the party's secretary-general told reporters after opening the delegates meeting of the Rantau Panjang Umno division yesterday, Bernama reported. He reminded party leaders and members to remain united and avoid any discord to ensure a big victory at the next general election (GE16). In GE15, Umno won only 26 parliamentary seats and 31% of the popular vote, the worst election performance in its history compared to its 2004 high point, when it won 102 seats and 65% of the popular vote. Asked about moves for Umno to leave the unity government and go solo in GE16, he said: 'We have never been alone in a general election as the country's stability and prosperity would not be achieved if the struggle was done individually.' He added that the Umno Supreme Council will continue to defend the unity government.
Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Even with Syed Saddiq, Muda comeback at GE 16 unlikely, say analysts
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was acquitted of abetting corruption, misappropriation of funds and money laundering by the Court of Appeal earlier this week. PETALING JAYA : Muda is unlikely to stage a comeback in the next general election, even with Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at the helm following his recent acquittal on corruption charges, analysts say. They say the party, founded five years ago, has missed its opportunity. Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said Muda was at its peak in the year before the 15th general election (GE15), which was held in November 2022. 'They were hot in 2021 but now people don't seem to remember them. 'They missed the opportunity to attract voters because they lost momentum,' she told FMT. Syaza Shukri. Syaza said Muda has struggled to project a clear identity or establish its purpose. 'People don't know exactly what Muda is fighting for. Right now, it feels more like an NGO,' she said. Syaza also believes Muda suffers from an image problem, largely appearing to be a 'one-man party'. There appears to be a lack of trust in Muda's ability to become an effective third force, she added. Explaining the difference between how Muda and PKR functioned when their respective leaders were confronted with legal jeopardy, Syaza said that in PKR's case, other leaders stepped up to lead when current prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was twice incarcerated. 'Muda tried to do the same with acting president Amira (Aisya Abdul Aziz) but that has not been enough,' she added. Syed Saddiq relinquished his post at the helm of the party after he was convicted by the High Court of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of funds and money laundering. On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal unanimously acquitted the Muar MP of all charges. Muda needs veterans and an ally Azmi Hassan. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Muda's strategy of positioning itself from the onset as a platform for disillusioned voters across the political divide, has failed to materialise. 'When Muda was first established, it was to attract younger voters, not specifically from Pakatan Harapan, but from across the board. That was their strategy,' he said when contacted by FMT. However, he noted that Muda failed to resonate with younger, disillusioned voters – particularly among the non-Malays. Azmi said the party may want to reconsider its approach to remain relevant, adding that it needs more than just young leaders. Muda needs a strong ally, he said\ – either Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Barisan Nasional (BN). However, Azmi said both coalitions may be hesitant to collaborate with Muda, fearing the party may not bring sufficient strategic value to the table. James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Syed Saddiq's acquittal presents Muda with an opportunity to rebuild its image. James Chin. 'Muda was able to attract a lot of young people, including many youths from the Chinese community. But what happened was a lot of young people moved away after Syed Saddiq was charged with corruption, including the Malays,' he said. 'Now that he has been discharged by the courts, if he goes back to working with the party, I believe he will be able to recover lost ground.' However, Chin said the party's biggest hurdle remains seat negotiations with potential allies. 'Everything will depend on how well they do. The biggest problem they face is to get PH to give them seats to contest. In the last round, they won only one seat (in Muar).' Chin said that Muda should be given a chance as Syed Saddiq is still capable of attracting young people from across all ethnic groups.
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
UMNO's selective amnesia won't work in Sabah
SABAH politics is never short on drama but when UMNO starts playing the victim card, it's hard not to roll our eyes. This is especially true when the facts keep contradicting the fairy tales they spin. Recently, Kota Kinabalu UMNO chief Musliati Moslimin cried betrayal, accusing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) of turning their backs on an old friend. It was a passionate claim with some even calling it an emotional outburst. But we must remember that like most melodramas, it lacks one thing – credibility. To understand this better, let's rewind to 2020 during the Sabah state elections. GRS was then a new kid on the block. It was a coalition forged out of necessity to stop Warisan's dominance. An agreement was then made with Umno that the latter would contest 27 seats. It was a strategic decision but when the nomination day came, UMNO's so called 'strategic discipline' turned into a seat grab exercise as they contested 41. So, who betrayed whom? Fast forward to 2023. Just when Sabah was catching its breath politically, Langkah Kinabalu was mooted out of the blue. Yes, UMNO again, allegedly trying to topple the GRS government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. It was orchestrated with the support of some of the very people now shouting about betrayal. The move failed but the damage to trust was done. Still, here we are with Musliati claiming UMNO is the wounded party while conveniently forgetting that it was her party that was swinging the axe. And if one thought the contradictions stopped there, they would be mistaken. In the 15th General Election (GE15), UMNO was part of a coalition that suffered a clear rejection from Malaysian voters. But somehow, they still ended up in government. Thanks to Pakatan Harapan (PH), the very coalition they once demonised. Betrayal? Or is that just what UMNO deems these days as political flexibility? 'Can't trust UMNO' The problem with UMNO's narrative is that it demands everyone to have short memories. But Sabahans remember. They remember the broken promises. They remember the backdoor deals. They remember the sudden claims of moral high ground from a party that lost its way – not just nationally – but in Sabah, too. Musliati claimed that GRS has betrayed UMNO. But perhaps it was GRS that finally realised that partnering with a party constantly moving from internal crisis to public outrage was no longer viable. Political partnerships are built on trust and trust is earned, not demanded via press statements. It's also worth noting that while Musliati is shouting betrayal, GRS leaders have mostly remained focused on delivering governance, economic recovery and stability in Sabah – something which voters are watching closely. Meanwhile, UMNO continues to focus on who gets what seat, which ministerial post and which partner they can blame next. There's a reason UMNO is struggling to stay relevant in Sabah. It's not just because they lost seats. It's because they lost the people's trust. The party of yesteryear keeps trying to revive old narratives in a new Sabah but voters have matured. They don't need more theatrics. They want leaders who deliver – not leaders who cry wolf every time they're outplayed in the political chess board. So yes, let's talk about betrayal. But let's start with the truth. UMNO betrayed its allies in 2020. UMNO tried to betray Sabah's stability in 2023. UMNO formed a government with those they swore they never would. And now UMNO wants to re-write history with itself as the victim? Sorry, Musliati. In Sabah, people are watching and remembering. And no amount of dramatic media statements can change the facts on the ground. – June 26, 2025
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Wait for AGM, MCA chief says on calls to quit govt
MCA president Wee Ka Siong played down any urgent need to decide on his party's future amid discontent over its role in the federal administration. PETALING JAYA : MCA president Wee Ka Siong today said his party was in no rush to decide on its future in the unity government. 'Wait until the annual general meeting. There is no rush,' he told FMT briefly when asked about the matter today. This follows reported calls from the party's grassroots for a withdrawal from Barisan Nasional (BN) amid discontent over MCA's role in the administration. On April 27, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon called on MCA to take charge of its own future if BN continued to delay making clear decisions on its direction. He said MCA had already given BN more than two years to recalibrate after GE15, and that the coalition's indecision had left MCA members frustrated and uncertain. MCA vice-president Wee Jeck Seng later said the party's top leadership would listen closely to feedback from the ground before deciding on the next course of action. He said not all rank-and-file members wanted the party to pull out of BN, and that the leadership's decision would be based on what the grassroots want. 'MCA must study the political dynamics, including how to strengthen the party and how to gain strong support again,' the Tanjung Piai MP said.
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Hishammuddin's return to Umno seen as ‘elitist pardon'
SHAH ALAM – The unconditional reinstatement of former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, into the party is likely to be seen as a form of 'elitist pardon', reflecting Umno's failure to uphold internal discipline and its core principles. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the move to readmit the senior figure without any public explanation risked fuelling dissatisfaction among grassroots members and could potentially destabilise the party internally. 'In the post-15th General Election (GE15) era, Umno is actively seeking a new identity to regain the trust of the younger generation. Hishammuddin's return only reinforces the perception that Umno remains trapped under the shadow of its old elite warlords. 'Hishammuddin is seen by many as having shown a clear inclination towards cooperating with Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN), particularly in the aftermath of GE15. Such actions could be interpreted as a betrayal of the GE15 mandate given to the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) coalition and a blow to party unity. 'Prior to this, his name was also linked to Umno's party-hopping crisis in Sabah following GE14. 'Reinstating him without any open clarification to the party base will only provoke anger and discontent, ultimately harming internal cohesion,' Awang told Sinar. His remarks came in response to Umno Sembrong Division's renewed motion calling for Hishammuddin's suspension to be lifted immediately and unconditionally. Awang also stressed that if the party leadership was seriously considering Hishammuddin's return, it must be on a conditional basis accompanied by efforts to restore his image and demonstrate ethical, accountable political conduct. 'This might include a formal public apology to the party over his alleged involvement in attempts to forge a secret alliance with the PN without party mandate after GE15. 'He should also retract any past statements or actions that were in conflict with Umno's official stance. A clear commitment is essential to ensure he no longer brings in a proxy agenda or factions that may lead to further division within the party,' he said. When asked about Hishammuddin's relevance in Umno's current leadership landscape, Awang said his return would likely not have a significant impact. 'I don't see any major effect if the former vice-president is reinstated, particularly because there are other Umno leaders who have remained steadfast in their commitment to the party, even during difficult times,' he added. He noted that several figures, especially from Johor such as Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan have stood their ground and avoided alliances with rival parties like Bersatu or PN. These individuals, he added, served as strong examples of loyal and principled leadership. Awang added that current Umno leaders such as Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail also have the potential to work alongside the party president in leading its recovery and revival ahead of the next general election. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that every individual and division within Umno has the right to express opinions, submit appeals and propose motions. 'In the end, it is up to the Umno Supreme Council to consider these views and make a decision, just as is the case in other political parties,' he said.
