tags - Sinar Daily

Since 2016, Sabah Umno has experienced three major waves of defections involving both members and leaders, namely to Parti Warisan in 2016, to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) in 2018, and to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in 2023. - Bernama photo

Mohamad said Puteri Umno must take the lead as the party’s digital front line, focusing on data intelligence, online engagement and shaping perceptions among young voters. Photo by Bernama

Ahmad speaking to reporters after the briefing session with the Umno president at Dewan Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL), here on Wednesday.

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivering his speech at the Politics in Digital Era Symposium 2026 programme in conjunction with the 2025 Umno General Assembly, today. - Bernama photo

The position of Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, including rumours of his dismissal, was not discussed at the party’s closed-door meeting.

The 2025 Umno General Assembly, scheduled for next week, is expected to serve as a key platform for the party to reaffirm its political direction and readiness for GE16.

The question heading into GE16 is no longer only who leads, but how leadership is structured and whether Malaysia is ready to balance continuity, credibility and renewal for the decades ahead.

The revival of Muafakat Nasional (MN) is unlikely to bring down Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government in the immediate term. - BERNAMA FILE PIX

Although some leaders and rank-and-file members are uneasy with the Prime Minister’s alignment with the DAP, Umno is expected to stay the course, as the risks of leaving the administration currently outweigh the benefits.

Calls for GE16 to coincide with the Melaka and Johor state elections have already emerged. Bernama FILE PIX