KUALA LUMPUR: Over the next four days, more than 6,400 Umno delegates will deliberate on motions ranging from calls for a royal pardon for its jailed former chief, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to proposals to expand government-run TVET programmes.
However, the issue most likely to dominate off-stage chatter at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur is not among the 662 motions submitted by 175 Umno divisions nationwide – the question of the party’s status within the unity government.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s confirmation that no such motion had been submitted has extinguished any prospect of the general assembly ending with a decision to exit the unity government setup.
In any case, the assumption that Umno would unanimously decide to quit the unity government, formed after the last general election, is widely seen as highly unlikely.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has made it clear that Umno will continue backing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration until GE16, in contrast to calls from Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh.
The firebrand youth leader, who has had his share of exchanges with Pakatan Harapan counterparts, particularly those from DAP, earlier this month urged Umno to quit the unity government and revive cooperation with Pas during the “Stay or Leave” convention he organised.
More recently, Akmal hinted at the possibility of resigning, saying he had done his utmost to convey his message.
Despite this, the issue is expected to be on the lips of many delegates, according to an Umno Youth leader who spoke to the New Straits Times.
“There is no motion on it, but off-stage, many will be talking about it and the direction we should take,” said the leader, who declined to be named.
The leader said there were concerns over the impact Umno’s continued cooperation with PH, particularly DAP, could have on its support base, especially in rural heartlands.
These questions come at a time when Umno’s Barisan Nasional allies, MCA and MIC, are at a crossroads over their future in the coalition, amid uncertainty over whether the BN–PH alliance will continue into GE16 as calls grow for reunification with Pas.
“But in terms of the party’s immediate direction, there is no doubt that Zahid has the full support of the Supreme Council, state leadership, and the Wanita and Puteri wings.
“As for the Youth wing, even though it appears united publicly, not everyone shares Akmal’s sentiments.”
The leader added that one of the most anticipated moments of the assembly would be Akmal’s speech, especially after the Merlimau assemblyman said he would announce his position in Umno during the event.
“He has been keeping his cards close to his chest, so there’s no telling what will happen.”
On calls for justice and a royal pardon for Najib, the source said such motions were expected, noting that similar proposals had been tabled before.
“I doubt anything concrete will come out of this.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
