KUALA LUMPUR – The stability of Malaysia's Unity Government is facing its most rigorous stress test yet as a public feud between the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) threatens to boil over.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of Putrajaya, the DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) has formally called upon Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to immediately sack UMNO Deputy President and Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, from the federal cabinet.
The demand, issued on April, 2026, follows explosive allegations involving an attempted "tebuk atap" (backdoor) maneuver in the Negeri Sembilan state government. DAPSY’s ultimatum marks the first time a major component of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) machinery has directly targeted a top-tier UMNO leader since the coalition’s inception in late 2022.
The Rantau Revolt: Inside the Allegations
The crisis erupted when reports surfaced that 14 Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan had allegedly withdrawn their support for Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun. According to investigative reports by Malaysiakini, the move was purportedly orchestrated to install a BN-led state administration, bypassing the current PH-BN power-sharing agreement.
DAPSY National Chief, in a blistering statement, argued that Mohamad Hasan’s alleged involvement in the Negeri Sembilan crisis constitutes a "betrayal of trust."
"His involvement raises serious questions about his integrity and loyalty to the unity government's mandate," the youth wing stated, according to Malaysiakini.
While UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has publicly moved to quell the rebellion reaffirming UMNO’s support for the existing state government during a Cabinet meeting on April 29 the damage appears done. DAPSY has explicitly stated they have "lost trust" in UMNO as a reliable ally, fearing the party will "turn on PH when given the opportunity."
UMNO Strikes Back: "Sack Us All"
The response from the UMNO camp was swift and defiant. Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the UMNO Youth Chief known for his combative rhetoric, turned the tables on his PH counterparts during UMNO’s 80th-anniversary celebrations on May 2, 2026.
Speaking to a sea of red-clad supporters in Kuala Lumpur, Akmal dared the Prime Minister to go beyond just "Tok Mat" (Mohamad Hasan).
- The Challenge: "If they are truly brave, don't just pick one or two. Sack all UMNO ministers. Sack all UMNO deputy ministers," Akmal declared, as reported by The Star.
- The Stance: Akmal characterized DAPSY’s demands as an attempt to "threaten and order UMNO around," asserting that the party would rather lose positions than "pawn its principles."
- The Red Line: Observers note that this exchange marks a significant escalation, with UMNO Youth effectively calling DAP’s bluff on the survival of the federal government.
The Numbers Game: Can Anwar Survive Without UMNO?
As of May 2026, the political arithmetic in the Dewan Rakyat remains favorable to Anwar Ibrahim, though a split would be bruising.
| Coalition/Bloc | Seats (Approx.) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pakatan Harapan (PH) | 82 | Core Government |
| Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) | 23 | Strategic Ally |
| Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) | 6 | Strategic Ally |
| UMNO / Barisan Nasional | 30 | Coalition Partner |
| Total Unity Government | 153 | Supermajority |
If UMNO were to withdraw its 30 MPs today, Anwar would still command the support of 123 MPs comfortably above the 112-seat simple majority required to govern. However, the loss of UMNO would effectively end the "Unity" experiment and leave the government vulnerable to the "Green Wave" represented by Perikatan Nasional (PN), which continues to dominate the Malay heartlands.
Impact on the Malaysian Public: Stability vs. Sentiment
For the average Malaysian, this political bickering comes at a precarious time. The government is currently navigating "politically difficult policies," including the removal of RON95 gasoline subsidies and ongoing structural reforms aimed at escaping the middle-income trap.
- Market Uncertainty: Continued friction between the two largest blocs in government could spook foreign investors who have recently regained confidence in Malaysia’s fiscal discipline.
- Policy Paralysis: With a DAP Special Congress scheduled for July 2026, there are fears that the administration will shift toward populist rhetoric to appease internal party bases rather than focusing on the MA63 negotiations with Sabah and Sarawak.
- Social Cohesion: The war of words between DAPSY and Akmal Saleh risks re-igniting ethnic tensions, as both sides retreat into their respective "defender of the race" and "defender of secularism" personas.
The Editorial Perspective: A Dangerous Game of Chicken
The current standoff is more than just a localized dispute in Negeri Sembilan; it is a battle for the soul of the 2027 General Election (GE16) strategy.
DAPSY is testing the waters to see how much influence they can exert over a Prime Minister who has often been accused of "pandering" to UMNO to keep his seat. Conversely, UMNO is fighting for its survival. As noted by political analyst Dr. James Chin, UMNO is "stuck with PH" because the opposition (PN/PAS) intends to replace them entirely.
However, UMNO cannot afford to look like DAP’s "subordinate partner." By daring Anwar to sack them, Akmal Saleh is signaling to the Malay electorate that UMNO is still the master of its own destiny.
The Reality: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is unlikely to sack Mohamad Hasan. Such a move would trigger a domino effect that could collapse state governments in Perak and Pahang, where PH and BN also share power. This is a game of political "chicken" where neither side wants to crash, but both want to see who blinks first.
What Do You Think? I’d Love to Hear Your Opinion in the Comments Section
- The Catalyst: Alleged BN coup attempt against the PH Menteri Besar in Negeri Sembilan.
- The Demand: DAPSY urges the PM to sack Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan to maintain integrity.
- The Retort: UMNO Youth dares the PM to sack all UMNO representatives, signaling a refusal to be "bullied."
- The Outlook: Federal stability remains intact numerically, but the "marriage of convenience" is under its most severe public strain since 2022.
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