Umno needs a political compass

Challenges ahead: Can Umno transform its party organisation and machinery while restoring its ‘safe hands’ credentials? — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

UMNO’S purging of dissidents and potential challengers of president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi may strengthen his grasp on the party but only make it harder for Umno to win back the middle ground Malay voters lost to PAS and Bersatu.

Whether or not sacked leaders like Khairy Jamaluddin and Tan Sri Noh Omar and suspended leaders Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Shahril Hamdan will join other parties in the Perikatan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan coalitions, Umno is already pushing Malay swing voters further away.