Umno sails into AGM with a 'new narrative'

 

Umno is set to sail into its annual general assembly (AGM) from tonight - with a “new narrative”.

For years, its leaders and delegates alike had one war cry, which was "No Anwar, No Pakatan Harapan, and No DAP."

However, the war cry is set to change given that Umno is part of a multi-coalition government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

From today until Saturday, the walls of the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, where the party's headquarters is located, are expected to resound with cries against ally-turned-enemy Perikatan Nasional (PN) instead.

This is Umno's first AGM since the party president cum BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi agreed to work together with former foe Harapan, to form the new government after the 15th general election (GE15).

It is his decision that would also chart the way forward for BN/Umno and Harapan to work together in the upcoming state polls, as how they did in Perak and Pahang after the national polls last Nov 19.

The assembly will test the level of acceptance by the delegates and grassroots alike to Zahid's decision of working with Harapan, and especially DAP.

While a certain form of resistance is expected, how much room for dissent will be allowed by the leadership remains to be seen.

All eyes on Zahid

All eyes are on Zahid to see if he can convince his delegates that the decision (to work with Harapan) is in Umno's best interest and how the alliance would work in the long run.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Also worth looking out for are fireworks within the party itself, as certain senior leaders are unhappy with Zahid's leadership and may challenge him for the presidency.

These include former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who had previously voiced his intent to go for the presidency, as well as former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, and vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

It is no secret that there are factions within Umno, and whether now would be the best time for the parties opposed to Zahid's leadership to go for the jugular will be seen in a few days’ time.

Former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein

It was reported that Umno has not extended an invitation to its new allies in the government, including PKR and DAP, to attend the assembly, but the reason for this "cold shoulder" remains unknown.

The assembly is expected to be attended by 6,198 delegates and observers.

It would be a time when Umno tests the waters after patching up “the holes on the vessel”.

Moving forward, whether Umno will sink or stay afloat, will depend on the wisdom of its leaders and the level of understanding and tolerance by the grassroots. - Mkini