The Malaysian Insight

UMNO seems to have abandoned its reform agenda after becoming part of the Perikatan Nasional government, said vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Khaled, the party’s Pasir Gudang division chief, said Umno would become irrelevant if it forgets about reforming itself following its defeat in the 2018 general election when Barisan Nasional lost federal power for the first time.

Party members must remember that Umno is merely a “passenger” in the current government, which was cobbled together under former Pakatan Harapan party Bersatu, in February.

“We seem to have completely forgotten our party’s reform efforts and that we were once punished by voters. If we have lost power once, what guarantee is there that it won’t happen again?

“Especially when we are only treated as passengers in the current government,” Khaled told Umno Pasir Gudang delegates when officiating the division’s annual general meeting today.

Umno divisions have begun meeting ahead of the party’s AGM at the end of the month.

The reference to being a passenger in the PN government hints at the testy ties between the larger Umno and its smaller splinter party, Bersatu, which is headed by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Khaled said if Umno fails to reform itself, it will not be able to convince Malays to support it, let alone other races.

The party must not mistake being in government now under PN as the solution to its problems, he added.

“Reform is important because without it, we won’t be able to lead the government in the future.

“We will just be a party that is nostalgic, banking on its past memories and glories. We will have no new advantage, no new achievements.

“For the umpteenth time, I urge everyone to return to efforts to reform Umno.”

The former Johor menteri besar has been is among those critical of efforts by the smaller Bersatu to dominate terms in their political cooperation.

Umno’s participation in the PN government is not something to be proud of, he said, because it is not due to Umno’s strength but PH’s weakness.

“We came into power (last year) not because we were strong but because our enemy was weak. Their weakness was exploited so that PH fell and the PN government was formed.

“So, it’s not because of the people’s trust towards Umno. Yes, it is not an achievement we should be too proud of.”

The reforms, he added, must include preparations for the 15th general election, which will be “the real test” for the party.

“Let’s come back to earth and walk on the ground. Even though we are no in the government, let’s not act so proud. 

“Our real test will be the coming elections, and it will be the people who determine Umno’s destiny.” – January 2, 2021.