Umno’s turncoat approach risks eroding partners’ trust, say analysts

Analysts warn that Umno's willingness to partner with various political groups may erode trust among its partners and harm its long-term prospects. According to Mazlan Ali, a professor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Umno's approach could provide electoral benefits but could strain relations with partners due to its propensity to change course frequently.

The comment came in response to Ab Rauf Yusoh, the Melaka BN chairman, who stated that the coalition is open to discussions with all parties ahead of the upcoming state elections, but no final electoral pact has been finalized.

At the federal level, Umno remains part of the ruling coalition alongside Pakatan Harapan, but BN formed an alliance with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan election held on August 1. Umno secured 18 seats while PN won seven, including three seats for Hamzah Zainudin's Wawasan party. However, the recent exclusion of Hamzah from a Umno general assembly meeting has fueled resentment within Pakatan Harapan and among its grassroots, prompting calls for the BN to withdraw from the administration.

Similarly, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia noted that uncertainty surrounding future partnerships is not solely the fault of Umno, as the PKS party is also keeping its options open. She stated that both parties' reluctance to make firm commitments indicates a lack of trust between the two. Both experts emphasized that these arrangements are primarily seen as electoral strategies to secure enough support to form a government, and they could change if Umno feels threatened or finds a better opportunity elsewhere.