Umno Must Reform Or Die

It was thought-provoking as Umno leaders responded differently to the quitting announcement made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Among the most severe criticisms were made by Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Former Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim gave a moderate response. Najib also said that he wants to meet Mahathir, but Umno Youth Deputy Chairman Khairy Jamaluddin remained silent.

This reflected that the party factions are measuring what benefits they could get from the resignation of Mahathir. As the party's branch level meetings is going to start in July, the party factions are now secretly planning their moves. Therefore, it is expected that the call of Mahathir to quit the party would receive poor response. After the party's branch level meetings, we can see some clues for the pattern of the party elections, as well as who are actually supporting and who are opposing Pak Lah.

"Could Pak Lah meet everyone's desire?"
However, Umno cannot run away from the shortcomings of prioritising own interests, based on its internal political environment, thinking of its members, as well as its core value, style and organisation structure over the past 20 years. In the 1990s, RM6 million was “spent” on each of the party's branch chairman elections alone and this year, some election funds have been used for the party elections without permission.

After the great defeat of the general elections, Umno is still unable to change. The crux of the problem is the entanglement of politics, business, and government projects. All the party factions are waiting to gain the biggest interests for themselves.

Therefore, each party faction is assessing the overall situation of the party elections, trying to gain support from other factions. Abdullah's position is under threat in such a situation, as all factions prioritise their own interests and they will not support Pak Lah if they gain no benefit from him. Could Pak Lah meet everyone's desire?

If the party elections is not going to be conducted in accordance with the democratic procedures, some people will have chances to weaken and split Umno into pieces. Eventually, the words of PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would come true as Umno elected representatives would switch parties and the Opposition would form the federal government.

In such a situation, Abdullah must look to support from non-governmental organisations and young people through greater reform, more open and democratic policies and effectiveness improvements.

Umno has come to the fork in the road. If it fails to reform with its leaders and members continue to pursue their own interests, Umno will probably meet its doom.

By LIM SUE GOAN
Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily
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