Usaha satukan Melayu gagal kerana tuntutan kerusi bertindih, kata Ketua Umno Tampin

Ketua Umno Tampin, Isam Isa, revealed that the previous attempt to unite Malay parties failed due to disagreements over constituency distribution. Speaking at the Umno Grand Convention in Kuala Lumpur, Isam acknowledged that coordinating constituency negotiations was difficult due to the differing strengths of Umno and PAS across various states.

He recognized that some constituencies, such as Gemas, Klawang, and Sikamat, were strongholds of Umno and others were of PAS. Despite knowing the likely winners in these constituencies, Isam emphasized that compromise was necessary for broader Malay political unity and that Umno should not take all the seats without giving in return.

His call for this compromise was successful as Umno regained control of the Negeri Sembilan government. Isam urged Umno to remain a setia-based party rather than a seat-based one, with party members remaining committed even when Umno is not in power. He stressed that those given opportunities and responsibilities within Umno have a moral and political duty to remain loyal to the party.

Isam also criticized former Umno leaders Puad Zarkashi and Tengku Zafrul Aziz for treating the party like a transit stop for politicians. Puad left Umno in June, shortly before the PRN Johor, after stating he would not retain the DUN Rengit seat. Tengku Zafrul left Umno in May 2025 and joined PKR in August.