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PKR's recent move to strengthen Anwar Ibrahim's position as prime minister after the 16th general election has raised concerns about the future of Umno, a party that was once the cornerstone of Malaysia's political landscape.
As PKR asserts its dominance, Umno finds itself marginalized in the political arena, a stark departure from its historical role as the dominant force in Malaysian politics.
Umno's decline from its prominent position is not solely due to PKR's ambitions but also reflects broader shifts in the political landscape.
The party's decision to support Anwar as prime minister in the previous election, despite conceding its seats to Pakatan Harapan, has left it weakened and struggling to regain its former stature.
Observers and former party leaders express pessimism about Umno's future. Azizi Safar, a former Penang Barisan Nasional executive secretary, believes that PKR's actions are part of a deliberate strategy to undermine and dismantle Umno.
He suggests that Umno will struggle to revive itself as a major political force if it remains passive in the current political climate.
Umno faces internal divisions and external challenges, and its future hangs in the balance. To remain relevant in Malaysian politics, the party must redefine its identity and political strategy.
The upcoming general election will be a critical test for Umno, determining whether it can rise from its current state or face irrelevance in the evolving political landscape.
It would be difficult for Umno when it comes to fielding candidates. Contesting under PH brand, Umno may have to yield some of its long held seats to accommodate PH's other partners. As a result Umno, driven to being a back seat driver, may not get to contest as many seats as it used to have. At the same time, Bersatu and other contenders are likely to wrest away some of its former seats.
Therefore, I seriously doubt Umno will regain its glory days because its current leadership is not as imaginative as its predecessors were, particularly Tun Dr Mahathir who brought Umno to dizzying height under his stewardship. The current leadership pales in comparison.
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