Umno needs a miracle, analyst says on Malay support ahead of polls

Umno will need a miracle to regain the general support of the Malay community, an analyst says ahead of crucial elections to be held in six states this year. 

Speaking to MalaysiaNow, Ahmad Atory Hussain said any help from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Umno's partner at the federal level, might only push Malay voters further away, particularly those in rural areas. 

Atory, of Universiti Sains Malaysia, said Umno's decision to work with its long-time foe under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had angered many of its members and supporters, especially given the party's "No Anwar, no DAP" stand. 

"Things became worse when the party leadership began sacking and suspending several veteran leaders and individuals of influence," he added. 

"This will come back to haunt Umno at the state elections because the people they did this to also have strong support within the party." 

Umno, led by its president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, recorded its worst ever electoral performance at the general election last November, winning just 26 seats throughout the country. 

Zahid himself refused to step down despite calls for his resignation, choosing instead to commit the support of Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs for Anwar's government. 

He was later appointed as one of two deputy prime ministers in Anwar's Cabinet. 

Umno Supreme Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed recently described PH component DAP as a liability for Umno, saying it would hinder the latter's efforts to regain the support of the Malay community. 

Atory meanwhile questioned the extent to which fellow PH components PKR and Amanah would help, saying many voters in rural constituencies are more inclined towards Perikatan Nasional (PN). 

"The people out there have other choices," he added. "They have other options apart from BN and PH." 

He also referred to Umno's push for a royal pardon for jailed former leader Najib Razak. 

Even if the former Pekan MP is freed, he said, he might not be able to restore Umno's support. 

"The pro-Najib group want him out, and they believe he will be enough to solve Umno's problems. 

"But I don't think so. Whether or not he is freed, it will be hard to restore Umno right now. What Umno needs is a miracle."