Umno General Assembly reignites debate on Malay political unity

KUALA LUMPUR: The opening of the Umno General Assembly 2025 has reignited discussions on Malay political unity following Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s policy speech outlining the Rumah Bangsa initiative.

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob welcomed the renewed emphasis on unity over division, saying it came at a critical time for the party as it navigates shifting political realities.

In a statement issued after attending the opening ceremony of the Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, where Zahid delivered his policy speech, Ismail Sabri said Umno must confront present challenges instead of dwelling on past achievements.

“Umno must rise and move away from nostalgia of its past glory,” he said, noting that Malay support for the party currently stood at about 28 per cent.

“We must accept the reality that many Malays are no longer with us,” he added.

The Bera member of parliament said unity among Malays was increasingly important to ensure that the position of religion and race was not threatened, adding that Zahid’s Pintu Rumah Bangsa concept could serve as a platform to rebuild trust and cohesion.

He said the initiative could open space for unity, narrow differences and reunite Malay political strength, including bringing back those currently outside the party, but stressed that its success would depend on genuine commitment from all parties involved.

“I hope all sides are truly sincere and honest in implementing this major agenda for the sake of religion, race and the country,” he said.

Ismail Sabri, who served as Umno vice-president from 2018 to 2023 but did not defend the post in the party’s last internal elections, remains an Umno member.

Earlier, Zahid announced that Umno would establish the Jawatankuasa Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa to manage applications for entry or re-entry into the party, either individually or as a bloc.

He said the committee would function as a platform to reunite those who had strayed from Umno, stressing that the party must remain open, inclusive and anchored in its original struggle as the political home of Msalay politics.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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