Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s push for the party to withdraw support from the unity government, citing repeated “red line” violations, may erode Umno’s key advantage over Perikatan Nasional, according to an analyst.
Wong Chin Huat from Sunway University noted that Umno gained ground by partnering with Pakatan Harapan in 2022 to form the unity government.
This alliance helped Umno regain non-Muslim votes during state elections in six states the following year.
Gains in Non-Muslim Support
Wong referenced an ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute analysis of the Pelangai by-election in Pahang.
It showed that many of the 28% non-Muslim voters there supported the Barisan Nasional candidate, who represented the unity government.
These voters had previously backed Pakatan Harapan.
Potential Fallout from Alliance Shift
If Umno allied with PAS and, indirectly, Bersatu, it would create a clear divide.
One side would include Pakatan Harapan and East Malaysian parties, while the other would consist of Malay-based parties.
Non-Malays would likely fully support Pakatan Harapan, Wong said, adding that Umno, with more seats in mixed areas than PAS, would suffer the most.
“Umno cannot have its cake and eat it,” he told FMT.
Akmal’s Remarks at Convention
Akmal made his call at a special convention, triggered by DAP’s Yeo Bee Yin’s refusal to apologise for a social media post.
The post celebrated the High Court’s rejection of former prime minister Najib Razak’s bid for house arrest.
He highlighted repeated breaches of “red lines” on race, religion, and royalty issues.
Akmal pointed to incidents like the “Allah” socks controversy, the upside-down flag, and alcohol served at a government event, claiming those defending Islam and the national flag were punished instead.
Analyst Critiques Focus on Sensitive Issues
Wong described Akmal’s emphasis on the socks and flag issues as “flogging a dead horse.”
He suggested it was an attempt to shift focus from corruption allegations tied to Umno.
By stressing the 3Rs — race, religion, and royalty — Akmal was hiding the fourth “R,” rasuah or corruption, Wong added.
He also noted that the pro-Najib faction was trying to portray corruption as a sensitive matter.
Another View on Electoral Impact
Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusatara agreed that Akmal’s raised issues might lead some DAP supporters to withhold backing Umno in future elections.
However, he saw no major cause for concern for the Malay party.
At GE15, there was little transfer of votes from DAP supporters to Umno or Barisan Nasional, he observed, as Umno typically does not attract non-Malay votes due to its handling of race-related matters.
Stability and Benefits of Staying
Azmi expressed puzzlement over Akmal’s urge for Umno to exit the unity government.
The coalition was formed on the advice of the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong to maintain political stability.
Umno stands to gain by remaining in power, with about one and a half years left to court both Malay and non-Malay supporters, he said.
