Umno leader Ahmad Maslan has proposed that the party carry out surveys every three months to assess Malay voters’ support for Umno and their resentment toward DAP.
He stressed the importance of these polls, noting that Malays and party grassroots continue to struggle with Umno’s alliance with DAP, even three years after the former rivals united in the government.
Gauging the Party Relationship
The Umno Supreme Council member said such surveys would give the party a sharper view of ties between Umno and DAP.
Malays still harbour strong dislike for DAP but accept the unity government, Ahmad noted. He added that government efforts could ease this animosity.
Urgent Decisions Ahead
If Malays reject Umno over the DAP link, the party must make key choices before the next general election, he told FMT.
Ahmad highlighted the urgency amid shifting politics, where public perception plays a bigger role in attracting voters.
Lessons from Sabah Polls
Failing to capture these views could hurt Umno, as shown in the recent Sabah state election. The party could not read the ground sentiment, he said, winning only four seats in November.
On January 16, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki pointed to a stark gap in Sabah. Despite over 622,637 members, Umno received just 144,584 votes, or over 23 percent support.
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