Political analysts believe that a reset movement led by Hamzah Zainudin is a primary factor preventing former Bersatu members from accepting an invitation to return to Umno.
The specialists dismissed the idea that the offer from Umno was inherently unappealing. Instead, they noted that the movement spearheaded by the former Bersatu deputy president appears significantly more robust, particularly with the backing of 19 members of parliament.
Shift in political strength
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia analyst Mazlan Ali observed that this movement has effectively surpassed the remnants of Bersatu, which now retains only six members of parliament.
He added that the former deputy president currently enjoys the support of over 100 division chiefs.
According to Mazlan, this reset movement has evolved into a powerful indirect force, allegedly bolstered by support from PAS.
He noted that strategic considerations regarding future seat allocations likely influenced the decision-making of those involved.
The analyst suggested that the reset movement is expected to lay claim to the constituencies previously contested by Bersatu, making it a more viable political vehicle for its supporters.
Disciplinary actions and new political homes
The political landscape shifted significantly on May 8 when the Bersatu disciplinary board sacked state assemblymen Dzowahir Ab Ghani and Abdul Razak Khamis.
The party also suspended five members of parliament: Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, Rosol Wahid, Khlir Nor, Nordin Ahmad Ismail, and Khalib Abdullah.
Additionally, assemblymen Syed Lukman Hakim Syed Mohd Zain and Ahmad Man were suspended, while Hulu Langat division chief Faiz Rahmad was sacked.
Despite an unconditional membership offer from Umno, Abdul Razak Khamis declined, hinting at joining a new political home associated with the former deputy president.
This follows an earlier purge where the party sacked the former deputy president along with 16 others, including members of parliament Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Azahari Hasan, and Fathul Huzir Ayob, as well as assemblymen Zainol Fadzi Paharudin and Yadzil Yaakub.
The DAP factor and Malay sentiment
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting argued that Umno’s current partnership with DAP in the unity government makes it a difficult choice for displaced Bersatu members.
He noted that as long as Umno remains in this framework, leaders will struggle to convince grassroots supporters of a consistent Malay-Islamic struggle.
The analyst highlighted a perception that proponents of the reset movement maintain a closer relationship with PAS. This alignment makes the movement more attractive to those seeking to remain politically relevant without the compromises associated with the DAP alliance.
Furthermore, he pointed out that electoral data indicates the majority of Malay voter sentiment remains with Perikatan Nasional, which consistently champions the Malay-Islamic narrative.
