What do you do with a problem like Umno?

 Anwar Ibrahim has three choices: sack Umno ministers from government, allow them to serve their term, or let them resign.

Calls have been growing for Umno ministers to be sacked from the federal coalition government, following Pakatan Harapan’s defeat at the Negeri Sembilan polls on Aug 1.

The reason? The electoral pact between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, which played a part in PH’s defeat. Umno is the lynchpin of BN, which was accused by an Amanah leader of backstabbing PH, as the two coalitions are partners in the unity government.

But in politics one must never react in haste unless there is a point to be made. So let’s pause for a moment and think this through. There are three scenarios to consider.

1. Sack them

No one would begrudge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for sacking Umno ministers and heads of GLCs, after the Negeri Sembilan election. It would be an incredibly popular move.

Many would like to see Umno-BN punished, not just for their treachery, but for once again making DAP the bogeyman to instil fear among Malays. Such tactics are unforgivable in my book.

2. Serve their term

Anwar allows them to serve out their term until a general election is called. There are several arguments for this.

The unity government was formed on the advice of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (then Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah). Defying the king is something not many parties would dare do, lest they be accused of “derhaka” (disloyalty).

To their credit, many ministers from Umno have been performing relatively well in their portfolios. Law and institutional reform minister, Azalina Othman Said comes to mind.

Also, technically, BN never signed a contract to remain with PH in good times or bad. BN and PH are more like friends with benefits, rather than being in a marriage where they remain “till death do us part”.

Nor did BN, in all fairness, fan racial and religious sentiments. That was PAS. In fact BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi even rebuked PN election director Sanusi Nor over the controversial “Tanah Melayu” remarks.

So long as Umno is part of the government, it cannot attack any government policies.

Finally, despite the BN-PN pact forged at the Negeri Sembilan polls, with plans to maintain it for Melaka, is it still considered merely an “understanding” as described by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi?

Nothing is set in stone for the 16th general election or seats in the northern states.

3. Umno resigns on its own accord

This would be the best option as it would allow PH to implement policies that Umno finds offensive, such as recognition of the United Examination Certificate.

PH would also be free to implement its far superior policies revolving around interfaith management and spots in public universities —subjects that are taboo to Umno, which is obsessed with Malay supremacy.

And should BN decide to leave the government now, it would not trigger a parliamentary general election as Anwar still has the backing of Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah as well as some MPs.

BN’s resignation would also see the coalition branded disloyal, which would augur well for PH.

However, if push comes to shove, Umno should be sacked from the government.

PH has nothing to lose but will gain much-needed support from its traditional base. With a clear and committed treaty with GPS and GRS, PH and progressive partners can walk into GE16 with heads high to battle the narrow-minded and conservative forces of BN-PN.

Now, that would be a battle to be remembered. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.