KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu Umno can bounce back despite recent electoral setbacks, says former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, citing the state’s historic political shifts in 1999 and 2004 as proof of its volatile electorate.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 Umno General Assembly on Saturday (Sept 12), Ahmad Razif pointed out how rapidly Terengganu’s political landscape can pivot.
In 1999, the Barisan Alternatif coalition—driven largely by PAS—dominated the state assembly by taking 28 of the 32 seats. Just five years later in 2004, Barisan Nasional staged a dramatic comeback, reclaiming 26 seats.
“Umno programs in the state are currently drawing strong public turnouts, a trend we similarly witnessed back in 2004,” Ahmad Razif said. “Voters have now experienced two terms under PAS rule and are in a position to compare the performance of both administrations.”
Currently, the state is firmly held by Perikatan Nasional, with component party PAS sweeping all eight parliamentary seats and all 32 state assembly seats in the previous state election.
Addressing potential electoral pacts, Ahmad Razif urged unity partners to ensure Umno is allocated fair room to contest in upcoming state and national polls.
“If the goal is to form the federal government together, our interests must be taken into account,” he noted. “I cannot commit to a seat target yet since PAS currently controls the state. They should declare their intended seats first.”
Regardless of the central leadership’s strategy, Ahmad Razif emphasised that Terengganu Umno remains adaptable.
“If we are required to contest solo, we are ready. The same applies if the leadership decides to negotiate or establish mutual electoral understandings,” he said.
