Was it a coincidence that UMNO's recent “daring” political gambit in Negeri Sembilan was carried out merely days before the party's grand 80th anniversary celebrations?
It is not far-fetched to suggest that the nationalist party's “ambush” of its own Unity Government ally, Pakatan Harapan, was fueled by a renewed sense of optimism and bravado. Is this not also a sign of the party signaling its intent and readiness to reclaim federal dominance?
Interestingly, speaking at the party's 80th anniversary convention at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur recently, its president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi declared that UMNO's eight-decade journey had been defined not only by achievements, but by its resilience in overcoming repeated crises. He added that this legacy has provided a fresh momentum and a new confidence in the party's current strength.
Zahid also revealed that it is almost certain that UMNO-BN will go “solo” in the next general election, although he shrewdly cautioned that it must remain open to political “understandings” to prevent disastrous three-cornered fights.
In fact, even its former stalwart Khairy Jamaluddin – now officially back in the party's fold – expressed confidence after the convention. He highlighted that while the party faced an uphill task to recapture public support, it remains in a stronger position now compared to some rivals like Bersatu and PKR which are plagued by infightings. He further pointed out that UMNO's ministers and deputy ministers in the present administration have consistently performed well.
Meanwhile, the party's vice-president Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail has taken a more cautious stand. He stressed that for UMNO to remain relevant amidst shifting political dynamics – and the evolving expectations of a new generation of voters – the party must be more responsive and flexible in addressing public opinion and criticism.
But are UMNO hardliners and its gung-ho younger leaders, especially from its youth wing, willing to drop their grudges, be flexible and adapt to changes?
Characteristically, its firebrand Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, in openly expressing his admiration for his party boss, pointed out that UMNO will never bow to pressure, including from its partners in government, if its principles and dignity are challenged. He cited the recent demands by DAP Youth – targeting foreign minister Mohamad Hasan during the ongoing crisis in Negeri Sembilan – asserting that the party is ready to stand firm and fight if anyone crosses the “red line.”
Screenshot of news headline and image from Malaysiakini dated May 2, 2026.
Yet, despite all the renewed vigour, former DAP strongman Prof Dr P Ramasamy has questioned whether the once dominant party can achieve a genuine revival and launch a strong comeback to reclaim its former prowess and prominence.
According to him, UMNO might forever be remembered for its pivotal role in negotiating independence from the British; however, he argued that the political, social and economic circumstances that once made the party iconic have changed.
Still, he cautioned that the party cannot be written off from the political arena, as it still commands significant support among Malays, even if its sphere of influence may have somewhat diminished.
Has PMX unwittingly rejuvenated and “empowered” UMNO?
Inevitably, the straight-talking URIMAI chairman also took a jab at PM Anwar Ibrahim, noting that although UMNO holds fewer than 30 parliamentary seats, yet the party has been generously rewarded with the powerful Deputy Prime Minister and Menteri Besar posts, as well as “plum” appointments in government-linked companies (GLCs) – proving that PMX and PH now need UMNO more than it needs them.
Prof Ramasamy then went on to underline that the ongoing political crisis in Negeri Sembilan is not an aberration, but a logical outcome of the party flexing its muscles once again. What is more, the return of past prominent members who were once sacked or marginalised, coupled with a surge in new membership applications, appears to have genuinely revitalised the party machinery.
Is this a true political “renaissance” – or merely a temporary phenomenon?
Nevertheless, he warned that the reality on the ground is harsh: the majority of Malays have already gravitated toward PAS and Bersatu. Furthermore, he noted that UMNO-BN may never regain its former dominance because Chinese and Indian voters have long since deserted its component parties, MCA and MIC.
The truth is, it has evolved into an essentially Malay-centric entity, now forced to compete for votes on a crowded ideological platform against Bersatu and PAS – just to survive!
Is the party then destined to be a “kingmaker” forever?
Crucially, if the recent, ill-timed “political maneuver” by its 14 state assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan is anything to go by, the party is sure to have alienated potential supporters and fence sitters alike – not only in the state but also at the national level. And with that solitary misstep, could UMNO-BN have kissed goodbye to its dreams of being that dominant power broker in Putrajaya once more?
Main information source: Sinar Daily, NST, Malay Mail, Malaysiakini, FMT and Prof Ramasamy Facebook.
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