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By Mihar Dias October 2024
The news that UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s younger brother, Abdul Hakim Hamidi, has officially joined PAS is not just a family matter, it’s a seismic shift that could send ripples through Malaysia’s political landscape. (Ahmad Zahid’s younger brother joins PAS)
Abdul Hakim’s defection from UMNO to PAS, a key component of the opposition Perikatan Nasional, speaks volumes about the internal rifts within the once-dominant party and highlights the broader ideological and political realignments underway.
At first glance, Abdul Hakim’s switch to PAS might seem like an extension of his personal or family values. He referenced their late father, Hamidi Abdul Fatah, a respected religious teacher and PAS activist, as a source of his decision.
But to dismiss this as mere familial tradition would be missing the larger implications. This defection is more than symbolic; it is a reflection of the ongoing struggle for the soul of UMNO, a party grappling with its identity, direction, and relevance in the changing tides of Malaysian politics.
For UMNO, the timing could not be worse. Ahmad Zahid’s leadership has been under heavy scrutiny since the party’s lackluster performance in the last general election. Criticism has grown over UMNO’s increasingly blurred ideological stance, especially as it tries to reconcile its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan under Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government while retaining its Malay-Muslim core supporters.
The defection of Zahid’s own brother to PAS could be seen as a personal indictment of his leadership—a vote of no confidence from within his own family. If even Zahid’s brother sees more alignment with the Islamist agenda of PAS than with UMNO’s current trajectory, what does that say about UMNO’s future?
The real concern for UMNO is whether this move signals the beginning of a larger exodus of party loyalists who feel disillusioned. Abdul Hakim is not just any rank-and-file member; his ties to the UMNO president lend weight to his actions.
This defection could embolden other UMNO members to reconsider their allegiances, particularly those who feel that the party has strayed too far from its foundational values.
PAS, with its clear Islamic agenda and grassroots support, may become an increasingly attractive option for UMNO members who are frustrated with the party’s attempts to maintain its position in a secular coalition government.
For PAS, Abdul Hakim’s membership is undoubtedly a coup. His move bolsters the party’s narrative of being the true guardian of Malay-Muslim interests, particularly in contrast to what many of its supporters see as UMNO’s compromised position.
PAS will likely use Abdul Hakim as a high-profile symbol of the "purification" of UMNO defectors returning to the fold of Malay-Muslim unity. This could enhance PAS’s standing among voters who are critical of UMNO’s partnership with Pakatan Harapan, further weakening UMNO’s appeal in rural Malay constituencies.
Politically, this defection highlights a growing trend in Malaysian politics: the increasing polarization along religious and ideological lines. PAS’s rise in recent years has been fueled by its ability to frame itself as the champion of Malay-Muslim rights, while UMNO has struggled to balance the demands of its traditional voter base with the realities of coalition governance. Abdul Hakim’s decision to join PAS underscores this ideological divide and could accelerate UMNO’s decline if more members and voters gravitate toward the clearer, more uncompromising message of PAS.
It is also worth noting the potential implications for Zahid himself. As UMNO president, he is already under fire for what many see as his failure to reinvigorate the party. The fact that his own brother has chosen to abandon ship could undermine Zahid’s authority within UMNO. It could fuel internal dissent and strengthen calls for Zahid’s resignation. After all, if Zahid cannot even convince his own family to stay loyal to UMNO, how can he expect to lead the party effectively?
At the end of the day, Abdul Hakim’s defection is not just about personal or family values—it’s about the future of UMNO. If this move sparks a broader realignment within the party, Zahid may find himself presiding over the slow disintegration of the political juggernaut that once dominated Malaysia. The message is clear: UMNO is at a crossroads, and its members are starting to choose sides. The question is whether UMNO can stem the tide of defections and remain a significant force in Malaysian politics, or whether it will continue its slide into irrelevance as PAS and Perikatan Nasional pick up the pieces.
For now, Zahid’s brother has made his choice. How many more will follow?
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