Weak Umno’s ambition risks instability in next govt, say analysts

Analysts warn that Umno's ambition to maintain a central role in the next government, despite its diminished numbers, could destabilize the administration it joins following the 16th general election (GE16). Political scientist Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University explains that other stronger rivals may resist ceding leadership, leading to friction within any coalition with Umno.

BN chairman and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has ruled out further cooperation with Pakatan Harapan after Parliament is dissolved, emphasizing no possibility of collaboration. This shift in alliances has strained ties between BN and PH, with BN abandoning its unity alliance with PH to partner with Perikatan Nasional in certain states.

However, Umno's flexibility to regain political relevance remains, but coalition partners attempting to outmaneuver each other risk destabilizing the next government, as political trust is lacking. Stability would depend on parties accepting each other's coexistence and avoiding attempts to outsmart or shortchange one another. The key hindrances to BN-PN pacts are seat and power-sharing arrangements, with economic impact of political instability potentially affecting investors due to policy uncertainty and market reactions.