MoU extension will derail Umno’s momentum, say analysts

 

Analysts say an extension of Pakatan Harapan’s understanding with the Ismail Sabri Yaakob government could threaten Umno’s general election prospects. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: An extension of the political understanding between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the Ismail Sabri Yaakob government will threaten Umno’s prospects at the next general election, say analysts.

Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara and Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir said the extension of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), as proposed by DAP organising secretary Loke Siew Fook, would give PH time to get their act together.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that PH was using the MoU to “kill” the party.

Azmi told FMT: “An extension of the MoU is a threat to Umno, as they feel the general election should be held soon to capitalise on their current momentum from Melaka and Johor” where the party had scored decisive victories in state assembly elections.

He said he viewed calls to extend the MoU as a way to avoid the dissolution of Parliament which would trigger GE15 rather than “stabilising the political situation”.

“If the MoU is extended and GE15 is held next year, Barisan Nasional’s momentum may not last. And by that time, PH, Pejuang, Muda and Warisan would have come to terms with the fact that they will need to work together.”

“And we have to remember that by the end of this year, Umno’s internal election will have to be held. This would have a negative effect on any party ahead of a general election,” said Azmi.

Jeniri said it was clear that PH needed to “buy time” as their prospects of winning GE15 now were not very good.

“Based on BN’s performance in the last two elections, the sentiment is against PH, which is why they want the MoU to be extended,” he told FMT.

Jeniri said given Umno’s desire to reestablish its dominance, it should be mindful of suggestions from DAP on extending the MoU.

“So as Tok Mat (Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan) said, ‘strike while the iron is hot’, this is an opportunity for them to win the general election. Judging from their performances in Melaka and Johor, if a general election is held soon it will be beneficial for BN.”

On Wednesday, Mohamad had called for the general election to be held this year on the grounds that the opposition was divided and weakened after heavy losses in the Melaka, Sarawak and Johor elections. - FMT