Return of key Umno figures will bolster support for GE16, say analysts

 The party's move to accept former leaders is seen as a sign of its commitment towards reclaiming its position as a unifying force for the Malays.

An analyst said the readmission of former members suggests that Umno is drawing a line under its post-GE15 internal conflicts, regrouping its ‘electoral assets’ of leaders, supporters, and organisational machinery.

PETALING JAYA:

 Umno’s decision to readmit former leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin and lift the suspension of former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein signals a broader strategy to regroup and consolidate its strengths ahead of the next general election, analysts say.

Mazlan Ali, Azmil Tayeb and Awang Azman Pawi said Umno’s move to accept former leaders, including ex-federal minister Syed Hamid Albar and 6,252 former members at various levels, showed the party’s commitment to reclaim its position as a unifying force for the Malays.

Mazlan told FMT that the move marks a significant milestone for Umno’s aspirations to be the principal Malay party as it was while in government for six decades before losing power in 2018.

“I believe Umno’s outlook will improve moving forward, as the party appears to be regaining strength and drawing back former leaders and members who had previously left its cause,” said Mazlan, who is with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

“It is likely that more former members will return to Umno under the ‘Rumah Bangsa’ platform. It also reflects the vision put forward by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, highlighting the effectiveness of his leadership in reuniting the party,” Mazlan added.

Azmil, of Universiti Sains Malaysia, said it is a sign that Umno wants to present a unified front as it gears up for the 16th general election.

“This is in contrast to its rival party Bersatu, that’s currently fragmented. A unified Umno stands a better chance against Perikatan Nasional, unlike in the 15th general election, when many of its leaders and members left for PN,” he said.

Awang Azman, on the other hand, said the admission of former members suggests that Umno is drawing a line under its post-GE15 internal conflicts, regrouping its “electoral assets” – leaders, supporters, and organisational machinery.

“It signals a shift from a politics of ‘purging’ to one of ‘reconciliation’ which is crucial for rebuilding grassroots machinery that had previously been fractured,” said the Universiti Malaya academic.

“It also sends a message to voters that Umno remains relevant as a Malay umbrella party with governing experience

He said the return of high-profile figures will help firm up the party’s base and long-standing networks.

“Khairy brings appeal among youth and the middle class; Hishammuddin contributes international diplomatic links, particularly with China and the Middle East; while Syed Hamid represents a recognisable veteran generation,” he added.

However, Awang Azman warned that the move is not without risk as reintroducing heavyweight figures could trigger internal power competition, especially with existing leaders.

“Questions may arise: is this genuine reintegration or a recalibration of power?”

He also said that at the same time, Umno must bring in new talent — from grassroots leaders and technocrats to civil society figures, including women and younger leaders — who are seen as fresh, credible, and broadly acceptable beyond the party’s traditional base.

“This is crucial given that a large portion of the next election’s voters will be young, undecided, and looking for leaders who are not simply recycled figures,” he said.

Enhancing Umno’s leverage

Awang Azman said that the move could also enhance Umno’s leverage within the unity government. The stronger Umno becomes internally, the greater its bargaining power in shaping policy direction and future seat allocations.

“Overall, this marks a shift from a defensive posture to one in which Umno is rebuilding its offensive strength. If managed wisely, it could restore the party as a dominant force in Malaysian politics,” he said.

“But if egos and power balances are mishandled, it risks reigniting old conflicts in new forms.” - FMT