Umno must strike a balance between taking a principled position on political alliances and pursuing its broader electoral strategy, political analysts said following Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh’s rejection of any potential cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan in Melaka.
Global Asia Consulting analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said Akmal’s decision not to defend his Merlimau state seat if the two coalitions worked together would test Umno’s willingness to compromise.
He said Akmal’s rejection reflected the views of some Umno grassroots members who remain uncomfortable with cooperation between BN and PH.
‘However, politics is not merely a matter of emotion. Principles will win you applause, but strategy will determine victory,’ he told FMT.
Balancing principles and electoral strategy
Political analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff agreed, saying a key consideration for Umno and BN would be whether they could retain their core supporters while attracting fence-sitters.
He said Akmal’s statement also suggested that the Umno Youth chief was highly confident that a BN-PH alliance in Melaka was unlikely.
‘He is staking his seat on his principles,’ Kamarul said.
On Aug 18, Akmal said he would not defend his seat in order to remain true to his political principles, following speculation that BN and PH could hold discussions on cooperation in the coming state election.
Zaharuddin said a possible BN-PH alliance made sense from an electoral perspective but could also risk pushing disgruntled Umno supporters towards Perikatan Nasional.
Akmal’s absence may not determine BN’s chances
Meanwhile, Afifi Abdul Razak of Universiti Utara Malaysia said Akmal’s absence from the election could have a moderate impact on BN’s influence among young voters in Melaka.
However, he said this would not necessarily affect BN’s chances of winning in the state.
Afifi said the strength of Umno and BN in Melaka did not depend on any single individual, but rather on the effectiveness of their machinery and candidates, as well as broader political developments.
A short-term sacrifice for long-term gains?
Afifi described Akmal’s position as a principled ‘sacrifice’ that could potentially produce political benefits over the longer term.
‘Akmal’s political career may be damaged in the short term, but a principled sacrifice such as this could benefit him politically in the long term,’ he said.
