Recent statements by two Penang Umno leaders on ties with Pakatan Harapan (PH) reflect the dilemma facing the party, an analyst says.
Rashidi Zinol, the sole Barisan Nasional (BN) representative in the Penang government, recently called for continued cooperation between the two coalitions in the state, describing the arrangement as constructive and beneficial to Penang.
However, Penang Umno Youth chief Hilmi Elias dismissed Rashidi’s statement, saying it did not represent the position of the state party leadership.
Umno seeks to preserve identity while keeping options open
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said Umno was trying to demonstrate that it would remain true to its principles without burning bridges with PH.
‘This is where Umno’s dilemma begins. The party talks about uniting the Malays, but remains part of a PH-led government.
‘Umno wants to preserve its identity, but the political reality forces it to explore every possibility,’ he told FMT.
BN and PH are allies at the federal level, although their relationship was strained after BN decided to join forces with Perikatan Nasional in the Negeri Sembilan state election.
BN chairman and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday that he saw no possibility of cooperation between his coalition and PH.
BN faces limits after the last general election
Zaharuddin said BN could no longer form the government on its own following the last general election.
‘So every step it takes comes with a price,’ he added.
Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said the two coalitions remained wary of each other and had yet to establish genuine trust.
She said that although Umno had emphasised Malay unity at its general assembly, many questions remained unanswered among its leadership.
‘These include whether an Umno-PAS pact would increase the party’s chances of winning at the next election,’ she said.
