I think the government and political parties reward their employees based on corruption, and not based on performance. If not, why all of them are corrupt and under-performing?
– De philosopher DJ Kyos, artist, author and motivational speaker
Umno today is a pale shadow of its former self but it is far from being completely vanquished. That is without a doubt.
It might not be the party it used to be — from the dominant party in power for more than six decades since Independence to playing second fiddle in the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) government over the past year.
In the early years, Umno was a much-respected entity, then it was feared as it ruled with brute force during crucial periods. Today, it is even ridiculed but Umno leaders still hold their heads high.
Several key Umno leaders have been charged with corruption and money laundering and are still facing their days in court. There were also convictions.
But we have to give it to them as they go about their daily routine per normal as elected representatives and public figures.
Whatever your opinion might be about them is irrelevant. Such resilience and pride only prove one thing. With such diehards, Umno will be around, come hell or high water.
I think I’m not only making a fair statement but a realistic one too. Today, Umno is like the prettiest girl around, being courted by many suitors.
It is playing the role of kingmaker. Despite being split into three or four “clusters”, whichever group or coalition Umno supports will likely get to form the government. That seems to be the case for now.
What is it about Umno that always makes it relevant? For starters, it has a strong membership base — 3.2 million. One or two other parties had previously claimed a similar membership strength but that was never proven, unlike Umno.
Generations grew up and had also grown old with Umno.
Many Malays and Umno diehards remain steadfast to the goals and ideals of the party up to this day. This is what Umno has which others do not.
They will never forsake Umno’s goals to uphold the aspirations of Malay nationalism and the concept of Ketuanan Melayu, as well as the dignity of race, religion and country.
No other Malay party can stake a claim to such a strength in number or depth in loyalty as Umno. Many still keep the faith that was Umno — a party true to race and religion and vibrant with vision and ideals.
There have been many pretenders to the throne — the two recent ones being Parti Pribumi Bersatu and Parti Pejuang — but only time will tell how long these parties will last through the punishing pace in politics.
Meantime, despite the split in Umno, the party is still being wooed by all quarters with an interest either to remain in power or to gain power.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his PN coalition desperately needs Umno to stay put because his survival as PM depends on Umno.
On the other hand, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and certain elements in Pakatan Harapan have expressed their desire to work with Umno in a new government.
On record, Anwar had hinted on several occasions that he has the support of Umno in his bid to oust Muhyiddin. However, his “strong and formidable” numbers have yet to be proven publicly.
Even Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his four-MP Pejuang group were prepared to work with “untainted” Umno lawmakers, so their leader had declared.
Interestingly, PAS was also interested in wooing its long-time adversary by forming a pact called Muafakat Nasional with Umno. The partnership, inked in September 2019, is to unite the Malay Muslim communities for electoral purposes.
There is no doubt that Umno will survive and remain relevant. But what is its standing today among Malaysians, particularly among the non-Malays?
Perhaps its biggest setback today is the slew of court charges its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and a score of other party leaders are facing.
Zahid and the others implicated in corruption and money laundering charges should be magnanimous and step aside for the sake of the party and its future.
Political leaders should ponder on these words of wisdom now and again, “No one is indispensable and the world can carry on without you, maybe in a better way”.
I think Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan should be given an opportunity to shine at national level.
The Umno No 2 has already struck a right chord with Malaysians after he repeatedly reminded party members not to be race heroes.
He is the most suitable guy — untainted, experienced, loyal and most importantly, not a racist — to take charge of the party, at least for now.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
