04/01/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JAN 4, 2026

Malay support for Umno down to 24%: Academic

Health cited as main reason for haj deferment BACHOK: Health factors represent the main reason for haj deferment among Malaysian pilgrims this year, surpassing financial reasons, which now ranks third. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said so far, only 18% have deferred their haj pilgrimage, a significant decline from about 50% previously, following initiatives implemented by Lembaga Tabung Haji. “Based on data received, personal and health factors are the primary reasons for deferments, and finance is no longer the dominant cause as before.” He was speaking after the Sinar Lestari housing handover event by the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation at Kampung Aman in Kandis on Friday. Zulkifli said health screening is among the mandatory conditions that must be complied with to ensure safe and seamless worship throughout the pilgrims’ stay in the Holy Land. He added that the government would ensure that Malaysia’s haj quota is fully utilised, with appeals to fill vacancies open until Ramadan. “For pilgrims who defer their haj , the quota will be offered to the next most eligible candidate in accordance with existing rules and guidelines.” It was previously reported that Malaysia was still awaiting a response regarding a request to increase the haj quota for 2026 following the Saudi government’s decision to maintain it at 31,600 pilgrims. – Bernama teachings had been identified, and are being closely monitored by police. Zulkifli said the ministry, through its related agencies, remains proactive in conducting advocacy programmes for various segments of society, not only on the dangers of deviant teachings but also on the beauty of Islam based on the Quran and Sunnah . “The most important thing is how we convey the true teachings of Islam so that all deviant teachings can be eradicated.” Earlier, Zulkifli presented aid in the form of basic necessities and school supplies to more than 100 residents in Kuala Terengganu affected by floods during the current monsoon season. He said a total of 540 students and 772 families affected by the floods have benefited from the Skuad Ihsan mission, which is being implemented by all agencies under his ministry. – Bernama

‘Drop reflects sharp erosion of party’s traditional base, driven largely by protest voting and fragmentation among voters’

government is continuously working with various authorities to monitor and curb the spread of deviant teachings in the country, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. He said the role of the community, including NGOs and related institutions, is also crucial in addressing the issue to ensure that Malaysia remains a model Islamic nation. “All such (deviant) teachings are on our radar. Monitoring and enforcement efforts must also be carried out in accordance with the law.” He was speaking after officiating at the Skuad Ihsan Madani post-disaster aid programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Padang Midin yesterday. Deputy IGP Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay had revealed on Thursday that 14 deviant around 70% expressing support compared with just 12% among Malays. Mujibu said Malay support for Umno has been in steady decline since GE14 in 2018, particularly among younger voters, with backing falling from 48% to 24% following recent state elections. “If the current trend continues, Umno risks losing even more Malay support, possibly dropping below 20%. At present, Umno’s solid grassroots base stands at around 30%. If that erodes, voter migration away from the party could reach as high as 55%.” He stressed that Umno must move beyond its existing framework and recalibrate its narrative to address voter concerns, especially among young Malays and fence-sitters. “The party’s strength will ultimately be tested by its ability to redefine itself in a fragmented and highly competitive political environment.” The Umno Youth special convention, organised under the leadership of its chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh, was held yesterday to deliberate whether the party should continue its role within the Madani unity government. The convention drew more than 1,000 participants, reflecting strong grassroots interest in the party’s future direction amid an increasingly complex political landscape.

for and professionalism throughout this process.” Mohamad said the refurbished embassy reflects not only physical improvements but also the Foreign Ministry’s continued commitment to ensuring that Malaysia’s diplomatic missions abroad operate in a modern, efficient and conducive working environment. “You are the frontline representatives of Malaysia, entrusted with safeguarding our national interests, strengthening bilateral cooperation and assisting Malaysians abroad.” In 2024, Thailand was Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner globally and the third-largest among Asean member states, with total trade amounting to RM114.56 billion. – Bernama their dedication organisational strength.” According to Ilham Centre’s sentiment analyses conducted between 2022 and 2025, Umno and Barisan Nasional are facing mounting difficulties in winning over Malay voters amid growing political polarisation. Mujibu said Malay voters are now broadly divided into three categories – hardcore supporters who see Umno as a pillar of stability, former supporters who have shifted their allegiance to Perikatan Nasional largely as a form of political protest, and fence sitters who now form the largest bloc, particularly following the implementation of Undi18. “These fence-sitters are highly critical voters. They assess the political situation, the economy and leadership performance before deciding. The ‘wait-and-see’ attitude has become Umno’s biggest challenge.” Ilham Centre’s third-quarter 2025 data showed overall support for Umno-BN at around 28%, with 45% opposed and 27% undecided. However, the picture is more troubling among Malay voters as their support for Umno has slipped below 25% compared with a relatively stable non-Malay base. In contrast, non-Malay voters continue to show strong backing for the Unity government, with

He said Malaysia’s post-GE15 political landscape marked an unprecedented turning point, with no single coalition able to command a parliamentary majority, forcing the formation of a unity government. “Coalition or unity governments are common in Western democracies but this is still relatively new for Malaysia. After GE15, political parties, including Umno, found themselves at a crossroads where narrative-building has become as important as

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Support for Umno among Malay voters has fallen to just 24%, according to Ilham Centre research fellow Mujibu Abdul Muis. Speaking at the Umno Youth Special Convention at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Mujibu said the figure reflects a sharp erosion of Umno’s traditional base, driven largely by protest voting and fragmentation of Malay voters.

Muhamad Akmal at the Umno Youth Special Convention held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Malaysians urged to work with embassies to uphold nation’s image on global stage

Deviant teachings being closely monitored, says minister KUALA TERENGGANU: The

Malaysian Embassy complex on Sathorn Road on Friday. Earlier, Mohamad officiated at the reopening with a ribbon cutting and tree-planting ceremony. He was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Raja Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin and Malaysia’s ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah. Mohamad said a well equipped diplomatic mission is essential for effective diplomacy and quality service delivery, particularly in a country as close and important to Malaysia as Thailand. He highlighted the long standing relationship between both nations rooted in geography, history and strong people-to-people ties. “I would like to commend the ambassador, officials and supporting staff of the embassy

BANGKOK: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan reminded Malaysians abroad to work closely with Malaysian embassies to preserve the country’s image on the global stage. He said the efforts of Malaysian missions overseas, together with the conduct and representation of Malaysians abroad, are crucial in maintaining the nation’s good reputation and strengthening bilateral cooperation. “You, as Malaysians in Thailand, play an important role as bridges between Malaysia and Thailand, strengthening people-to-people ties and contributing positively to Malaysia’s image abroad. “I encourage you to continue working closely with the embassy and support its efforts,” he said at the reopening of the