Umno negeri diberi ruang, bukan autonomi penuh, kata penganalisis

Umno recently granted regional parties the opportunity to discuss and negotiate with other political parties for potential cooperation ahead of the upcoming elections. This decision does not equate to full autonomy in determining cooperation, according to political analyst Syaza Shukri. Although the central leadership may not actively intervene in early discussions, they will ultimately approve or reject any proposed cooperation, she explained to FMT.

MKT Umno agreed on Friday that regional parties could engage in talks and negotiations with political parties interested in collaboration for the upcoming elections. However, Deputy General Secretary Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki emphasized that any cooperation must be based on sincerity and trust, rather than popular support or pressure.

This decision comes as the upcoming PRN Melaka election may see BN fielding candidates alone or in coalition with Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Perikatan Nasional (PN). At the federal level, BN has already allied with PH, while a partnership with PN started forming after PRN Negeri Sembilan in late August. There were calls to grant autonomy, notably by Umno's Kedah Chief Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin in January, but analysts like Syaza believe the central leadership is now giving more room to the states, reflecting the changing political landscape requiring different approaches based on local conditions.

Umno is also increasingly acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer viable due to the diverse party strengths and voter sentiments across states, exemplified by the PRN Johor outcome. In the PRN Johor, BN campaigned independently against PH, winning 48 out of 56 DUN seats. Profesor Negara Azmi Hassan, meanwhile, stated that the MKT decision provides each state with the space to determine which party should participate in the pre-election talks based on their specific political circumstances.

He noted that cooperation scenarios could vary more easily in states like Negeri Sembilan or Melaka compared to Perak, Pahang, and the SG4 states currently governed by Perikatan Nasional (PN). "The political scenario in each state is different and requires a unique cooperation approach," he added.