Ismail right, Umno’s revival hinges on grassroots, says analyst

Former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the grassroots are crucial to Umno’s resurgence, requiring engagement with local communities and youth. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Umno should tap into the power of its grassroots instead of relying on its partners in the unity government to regain its strength, says a political analyst.

Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara agreed with the suggestion by former Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob for continued engagement with local communities and the youth, saying the grassroots are key to the party’s resurgence.

He said the former prime minister might also be giving the Umno leadership a subtle warning against becoming too focused on its cooperation with others in the unity government at the expense of its members’ sentiments.

“If the party is perceived as relying on its unity government partners, it will become increasingly irrelevant among the Malay voters,” Ariff told FMT.

“Forming a political alliance with DAP is not easy because its opponents, especially Perikatan Nasional, will not hesitate to weaponise this ‘friendship’ narrative to win over Malay voters.”

Ismail took to Facebook on Sunday to say that the party could not cling to “past glories” as it was evident that only 20% of the Malays supported Umno in last year’s state elections.

Ismail also said that Umno’s strength could be revived through grassroots engagement in divisions and branches by continuing to engage with local communities, especially the youth.

Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia said it would be a challenge to convince grassroots members to accept and trust the cooperation with long-time rival DAP, unless tangible benefits from the partnership can be demonstrated.

He also said Umno would need to show drastic changes by having older leaders step aside to make way for young leaders.

“Umno also needs to focus on economic issues that can address the problems of living costs, job opportunities, education, and other needs for young people,” Azmil said.