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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright January 2024
Today's op Ed is based on materials gathered by an author.
As UMNO grapples with its recent defeat in the Kemaman by-election, it becomes evident that the party is facing an unexcisable problem – the belief that victory is etched in stone for every election it enters.
However, this conceited mindset is proving to be a stumbling block, leading to blame games and excuses when faced with losses.
One prevalent excuse is the scapegoating of low voter turnout, a contradiction to previous assertions that low turnout favoured UMNO.
This inconsistency raises questions about the party's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Furthermore, the tired narrative of UMNO being rejected by Malays due to alleged ties with non-Malays is challenged, highlighting the disconnect between the party and the diverse support it needs.
UMNO's reluctance to extend rights to non-Malay supporters adds to the irony, as it expects their backing without reciprocation.
The party's strength lies in its Malay base, yet its refusal to evolve and inclusively engage is becoming a barrier to growth. The call to limit UMNO's access to institutions like MARA, Felda, and Risda signals a need to sever ties that enable its indoctrination of the Malay base.
The analogy of UMNO as the "sickman" in the unity government, akin to a contagious ailment, emphasizes the urgency to distance from the party.
Suggestions to treat UMNO as such by limiting its influence and denying it resources may accelerate its eventual demise, as echoed by former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir.
The blog post calls for political leaders, especially Mamu Anwar, to refrain from sentimentality towards UMNO.
Allowing UMNO to recover from its deficits would interrupt the natural course of its decline. The analysis contends that UMNO's present state is akin to rigour mortis and even voices outside the party, like Dr. Mahathir, warn of its potential annihilation if it clings to extremist ideologies.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for Malaysia to move forward with an acknowledgement of racial pluralism and harmony.
It suggests that UMNO's downfall is rooted in an entitlement mentality, and as the party resorts to irrationality, blame-shifting, and chauvinistic proclamations, its demise increasingly inevitable.
The call to withhold oxygen from UMNO, metaphorically provided by its association with PH, suggests that easing its passing is a necessary step for the evolution of Malaysia's political landscape.
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