Past Malay unity attempts failed because of seat clashes, says Tampin Umno chief

 Isam Isa says Umno’s willingness to sacrifice winnable seats in Negeri Sembilan helped unite Malay voters and return the party to power.

Tampin Umno chief Isam Isa said political understanding will not be possible if the party is unwilling to make compromises in seat negotiations.

KUALA LUMPUR:

The failure of previous attempts to unite Malay-based parties was mainly because of disagreements over seat allocations, says Tampin Umno chief Isam Isa.

Debating the Umno president’s policy speech at the general assembly here today, Isam said seat negotiations were difficult as the strengths of Umno and PAS varied from state to state.

“As a party man, I admit that this is difficult and not easy to accept because there are states where Umno is strong and there are also states where PAS is strong,” he said.

He said Negeri Sembilan Umno was willing to sacrifice winnable seats such as Gemas, Klawang and Sikamat in the interest of greater Malay political unity, despite having already identified their potential candidates.

“An understanding will not happen if we take all the seats and there is no give and take,” he said.

He said the move had paid off, with Umno eventually returning to lead the Negeri Sembilan government.

Isam called for Umno to remain a party built on loyalty rather than positions, saying members should remain committed even when the party is not in power.

“Umno was never built on positions. Umno was built on loyalty, sacrifice and discipline in its struggle.

“Be loyal during difficult times, endure defeat, and do not leave the party when it is not in power. This distinguishes a fighter from a passenger,” he said.

Isam said those given opportunities and entrusted with responsibilities through Umno has a moral and political obligation to remain loyal to the party.

He took aim at former Umno leaders Puad Zarkashi and Tengku Zafrul Aziz, accusing them of having treated the party like a “political transit station”.

Puad quit Umno in June, shortly before the Johor state election, after saying he would not defend the Rengit state seat.

Tengku Zafrul left Umno in May 2025 and joined PKR in August. - FMT