Umno’s actions not matching its words, says analyst

Analysts contend that the actions of Umno do not align with its professed support for Anwar Ibrahim. According to James Chin of the University of Tasmania, Umno is attempting to undermine the prime minister, despite promising to stand by Anwar until the conclusion of the current parliamentary term. Chin points to Umno's firm stance following their impressive performance in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls, which were secured through a pact with Perikatan Nasional.

If the Melaka state election also goes in their favor, as widely anticipated, Umno may seek to capitalize on this momentum by campaigning for an early general election. "They are applying pressure because they do not wish to lose their advantage," Chin suggests, adding that Anwar's response to this pressure is uncertain. Anwar is also navigating a new alliance, separate from Umno.

Chin anticipates that ties between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional will deteriorate further, but predicts Umno will continue to play a game of appearing supportive of Anwar while undermining him. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara echoes this sentiment, seeing the BN's push for an early GE16 as a response to mounting pressure.

He warns that BN's actions could cause greater instability in the PH-led federal government, as BN still wields significant influence over other political parties in the Madani administration. Notably, despite Umno's president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, stating that Anwar should call for GE16 early, Chin does not believe BN will revoke its support for Anwar, even if he resists pressure for an early election.