Malaysia’s political turbulence, ongoing since 2018, is unlikely to subside unless Umno reclaims its leadership role with principled governance, according to party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
Despite Umno’s dismal showing in the 2022 general election (GE15), securing only 26 parliamentary seats—its worst performance ever—the senior statesman remains optimistic about the party’s enduring relevance. However, he stressed that Umno must first rid itself of self-serving leaders to restore its stature as a cornerstone of Malaysian politics.
“Politicians who prioritize personal gain over Umno’s values must be sidelined. Their interests do not align with the nation’s future or the well-being of future generations,” said the former 11-term Gua Musang MP in a candid interview with FMT.
The Path to Political Stability
Tengku Razaleigh, an 88-year-old political stalwart, emphasized that Umno’s revival hinges on strong leadership grounded in fairness and accountability. “Umno is the key to the country’s stability. Without a credible leader at its helm, Malaysia will continue to grapple with instability, to the detriment of its people,” he said.
Reflecting on Umno’s historical significance, Tengku Razaleigh noted its pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s trajectory since the fight for Malaya’s independence. Although the party lost federal power in 2018, it regained influence in 2020 and remains a linchpin in the current unity government, despite not holding the premiership.
“It’s a misconception to claim Umno is fading. It remains the largest party by membership, even if its parliamentary seats have dwindled,” he said, attributing the decline to internal strife and the emergence of splinter groups like Bersatu, formed by former Umno leaders Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin amid the 1MDB scandal.
Umno’s Role in the Unity Government
The hung Parliament following GE15 underscored Umno-led Barisan Nasional’s (BN) critical role, with its 30 seats bolstering Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration. Critics have questioned the unity government’s durability, particularly Umno’s alliance with long-time rival DAP, amid early challenges to Anwar’s leadership.
Tengku Razaleigh dismissed suggestions that Umno’s influence is waning, asserting that its enduring membership base and historical legacy position it to guide Malaysia forward.
A Pivotal Moment at the Annual General Assembly
Looking ahead, Tengku Razaleigh highlighted the importance of Umno’s upcoming annual general assembly, scheduled for November after a delay from August due to the Sabah state election. He cautioned against further postponements, citing the party’s constitutional obligations.
“The assembly must proceed as planned. Delaying it undermines the party’s constitution and denies members their right to shape Umno’s future,” he said. “This meeting will set the course not only for Umno but for the nation itself. If Umno is uncertain of its path, how can it steer Malaysia confidently?”
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