20/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 20, 2026

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‘Return of leaders to Umno signals calculated party reset’

Uphold integrity and reformist ideals, PKR members told KUALA LUMPUR: PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stressed the importance of party members remaining responsive to the people and committed to their responsibilities while safeguarding the party’s reformist ideals. Officiating at the PKR Gombak branch 2026 AGM yesterday, he reminded members to continuously uphold integrity and resist any element of corruption that could undermine the party’s principles. “Do not allow attitudes, especially the seeds of corruption, to erode the spirit of reform. This is a reminder to all of us, including myself, to ensure that beyond political stability, our efforts for the people remain consistent and meaningful.” Fahmi said the actions and behaviour of leaders are constantly observed and evaluated by the public. He cautioned party leaders and members at all levels against becoming complacent or too comfortable in their positions, to the point of losing touch with the grassroots and the party’s founding struggle. Despite PKR leading the Selangor administration since 2008, he stressed that unity and stability must continue to be preserved across all levels of leadership. – Bernama

o Analysts say move suggests attempt to improve position within Unity govt, but express qualms over genuine renewal Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com Minister Datuk Seri Anwar

“Reform has never been part of its language,” she said, adding that Umno appears more focused on political survival than transformation. On the broader Unity government, she said credibility concerns extend beyond Umno. “The loss of credibility was there from the start, and Zahid’s court cases being resolved the way they were only reinforced perceptions about political priorities. “And now, Pakatan Harapan is facing its own controversies.” She said voter behaviour has remained largely stable despite growing disillusionment. “For voters, not much has changed. There is disillusionment but it has evolved rather than shifted dramatically.”

International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas– Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri offered a more sceptical view, saying perceptions of reform have largely remained unchanged since the 2022 general election. “People who voted for change didn’t vote for Umno. I don’t think it significantly alters views on reform. Voters already understood in 2022 that governing within a unity coalition would be difficult.” She said the removal of certain Umno leaders stemmed more from internal disagreements than public pressure. “These leaders were removed due to disagreements with Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, not because of voter sentiment. “So, I don’t think it affects perceptions of reform. If anything, it reinforces the view that Umno is unlikely to change significantly.” She said Umno’s internal reshuffle only deepens existing perceptions about its priorities.

Ibrahim.” He pointed out that the return of high-profile figures could quietly reshape internal dynamics. “A realignment of power within the party leadership is a real possibility. The return of prominent personalities may exert pressure on existing leaders – not through open confrontation but competition over legitimacy, influence and the party’s future direction.” Awang Azman stressed that reintegration must be carefully managed to avoid internal friction. “Without a clear transition period before these figures assume strategic roles or contest seats, tensions between long-standing loyalists and returning members could intensify,” he said, adding that a more assertive Umno could adopt an increasingly transactional approach within the Unity government, with stability hinging on political negotiations rather than formal arrangements, particularly in overlapping electoral contests.

PETALING JAYA: The return of senior Umno figures, including Khairy Jamaluddin, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar under the Rumah Bangsa narrative signals a calculated party reset ahead of the 16th general election (GE16), say analysts. However, they are divided on whether it reflects genuine renewal or a consolidation of old power structures. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the move points to more than internal rebuilding, suggestive of a broader attempt to reposition Umno within the Unity government. “This reflects a two-layered strategy – internal reconciliation to strengthen party structures, and a recalibration of power to enhance its bargaining position within the unity coalition led by Prime

She added that Umno may now be in a relatively stronger strategic position within the coalition, not due to electoral gains but internal stabilisation and ongoing efforts to rehabilitate its image before GE16. “I don’t think Umno or Barisan Nasional can win on its own or emerge as the largest coalition. But if the focus is on rebuilding its image, that in itself is already a ‘win’ for Umno.” Much work for Madani govt to do before GE16: Media veteran

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Madani government still has much work to do to strengthen public confidence ahead of the 16th general election (GE16), with electoral trends suggesting that support has yet to fully consolidate, said veteran newsman Datuk A. Kadir Jasin. Drawing on voting patterns since 2022, he said the ruling coalition remains on a competitive footing, although challenges persist in translating its position into a clear majority mandate. In an analysis of the current political landscape, Kadir pointed to the outcome of GE15 and the 2023 state polls as indicators of a still-evolving support base. He said Pakatan Harapan (PH) fell short of a simple majority in GE15, leading to the formation of a unity government with Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly Umno. “That result alone should be taken as the baseline. PH did not win outright. It formed the government through post-election alignments,” Kadir told theSun. He said the six-state elections in 2023 – widely viewed as a referendum on the federal administration – also offered mixed signals on voter sentiment. “If those state elections are any indication of national sentiment, then PH together with Umno did not perform convincingly. “In fact, in several areas, they underperformed,” he said, citing the narrow retention of Pahang as a cautionary sign. He also said cooperation with Umno has yet to translate into a broader consolidation of Malay support, which remains a key electoral battleground. “Umno itself is struggling with credibility issues, and that burden does not disappear simply by being part of the government.”

Kadir said economic pressures continue to shape voter sentiment and remain a key test for the administration. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Parti Bangsa Malaysia (one), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (one) as well as two independent candidates. The outcome led to a five-day political impasse, prompting the intervention of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and culminating in the formation of a unity government. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister on Nov 24, 2022. While GE16 is constitutionally due by Feb 17, 2028, there is ongoing speculation that Parliament could be dissolved earlier. One scenario under discussion is aligning the general election with upcoming state polls, particularly in Malacca and Johor, whose legislative terms are set to expire in December 2026 and April 2027 respectively.

improving, political goodwill dissipates quickly.” Looking ahead, Kadir said much would depend on how effectively current challenges are addressed before GE16. “Based on present indicators, it would be difficult for PH to improve on its 2022 performance. The risk is that it could do worse if underlying issues are not addressed.” GE15, held on Nov 19, 2022, resulted in Malaysia’s first hung Parliament, with no single coalition securing a simple majority. PH emerged as the largest bloc (81 seats), followed by Perikatan Nasional (74) and BN (30). Other parties that gained representation included Gabungan Parti Sarawak (23 seats), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (six), Warisan (three),

He highlighted the pace of institutional reform – a core pillar of PH’s political narrative – as an area closely watched by the public. “There is a perception that reformasi has slowed. Efforts at parliamentary reform have not made the kind of impact many hoped for.” Kadir said clearer and more consistent visibility from leaders driving reform could help reinforce public confidence. “Leadership on reform must be visible and consistent. Without that, the narrative weakens.” He added that economic pressures, particularly the cost of living, continue to shape voter sentiment and remain a key test for the administration. “When people feel that their situation is not