Heritage and honour: Ahmad Zahid at the official opening of the Second Umno School of Politics Convocation Ceremony. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A sea of red will fill the World Trade Centre (WTC) as Umno delegates gather for the party’s general assembly, with Umno’s future within and outside the unity government likely to dominate discussions and debates.
The 6,412 delegates attending the general assembly, which begins today are also expected to once again, call for a pardon for their former leader Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s plans to resign – after his calls for Umno to withdraw from the unity government drew a negative reaction from the party president – will also likely crop up in debates.
KRA Group political risk consultant and director of strategy Amir Fareed Rahim said Umno’s meeting this year is likely to be shaped by several broad strands including political positioning ahead of the electoral cycle, and bread-and-butter economic anxieties among the party’s core base.
“On the political front, the dominant issue will be Umno’s future partnership with Pakatan Harapan, as the party looks ahead to the upcoming Melaka and Johor elections where Umno is defending its position, as well as the readiness of the machinery if an early national polls is called,” said Amir Fareed, when contacted yesterday.
Overlaying all this will be the continuing predicament of Najib, which remains a highly emotive issue for the grassroots and is likely to resurface in speeches, even if such discussions were tightly managed by the top leadership.
“By contrast, Umno’s performance in Sabah is expected to receive limited attention.
“With active campaigning underway in Lamag and Kinabatangan, party leaders are likely to avoid prolonged introspection on Sabah outcomes and instead keep the focus on peninsular dynamics,” he said.
Economically, discussions are expected to centre on Bumiputra economic empowerment, particularly the role of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), alongside grassroots feedback on cost-of-living pressures.
“Issues such as the SST increase and the implementation of petrol subsidy rationalisation are likely to be featured prominently, reflecting broader concerns about inflation, household income and the party’s ability to credibly position itself as a defender of the Malays and lower- to middle-income economic interests.
“Overall, the assembly is likely to be carefully choreographed, allowing space for controlled dissent while reinforcing the leadership’s preferred narrative on political stability, electoral readiness and Umno’s relevance within the current governing arrangement,” Amir Fareed said.
Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said this general assembly is particularly important as it comes at a critical phase of rebuilding trust, consolidating leadership and redefining the Umno’s role within the unity government ahead of the 16th General Election.
“Key issues expected to dominate discussions include Umno’s long-term position in the coalition, the need for leadership unity and discipline, and growing grassroots dissatisfaction.
“The assertiveness of the youth wing, ongoing sentiment surrounding Najib-related developments, will also be key issues,” he said.
Early signals on seat negotiations and whether the party is committed to reform and renewal, or remains tied to old political narratives is also set to be discussed, Sivamurugan added.
On the upcoming meeting, vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the general assembly serves as the best platform to strengthen relationships and clarify the party’s direction.
“Any differences of opinion should be embraced with wisdom, and shared goals should serve as the foundation for moving forward together in the party’s struggle,” he said.
The Umno General Assembly will start with the simultaneous opening of the youth, wanita and puteri wings assemblies tonight, followed by their respective meetings to take place the next day.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will deliver his policy speech on Friday, followed by debates by state and wings’ representatives.
The assembly will end on Saturday.
