Zahid still an Umno asset, but baggage piling up, say analysts

As the 2024 general election (GE16) looms, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi must navigate the party's image and mounting controversies, according to analysts. Despite leading Umno to victories in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, there are concerns about sustaining momentum amid mounting issues. Sivamurugan Pandian, from Universiti Sains Malaysia, notes that Zahid remains an asset to Umno because of his ability to manage political alliances and keep the Barisan Nasional (BN) partner relevant.

However, he highlights the party's baggage, including a dispute over spending at Zahid's ministry, controversies involving Tabung Haji and Felda, and allegations of the party's role in attempting to remove Negeri Sembilan's ruler. Sivamurugan acknowledges that these issues have piled up despite Zahid's leadership.

Jayum Jawan, from Universiti Putra Malaysia, believes Zahid's recent successes in state elections have raised hopes for a comeback, but questions remain over the party's direction. He points out that the coalition's chosen partner for GE16 remains uncertain, as BN works with Perikatan Nasional in Negeri Sembilan while still being allies with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the federal government.

Jayum warns that this uncertainty could leave supporters unsure about Umno's direction. Syaza Shukri, from the International Islamic University Malaysia, states that Zahid has shown he is prepared to defend Umno's interests in the federal alliance with PH, but questions remain about his stance towards the unity government. She adds that recent controversies surrounding Umno raise doubts about the party's direction following its heavy defeat in the 2022 general election.