UMNO turns 80 this year — a milestone for a party that has been the backbone of Malay politics and Malaysia’s post-independence governance.
Once dominant, it fell dramatically in 2018, losing federal power for the first time in history. Since then, it has struggled to regain trust, relevance, and political strength.
The 2025 Umno General Assembly made one thing clear: survival, not renewal, is the priority. The party appeared cautious, controlled, and focused on maintaining relevance in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.
The biggest signal? Umno’s decision to stay in the Unity Government. President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi framed it as responsibility and national stability, echoed by deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Mohamad reminded members how internal conflict had cost winnable seats, while Johari urged moving past fear politics and disunity. The message is that Umno cannot win alone. Staying in government preserves influence — even if it means compromising on old positions.
Another controversial move is postponing party elections until after GE16. Leaders argued it prevents distractions, but critics see it as a shield against internal challenges. For a party that thrived on generational leadership, this risks frustrating grassroots members eager for change.
Unity and reconciliation dominated the rhetoric. Former members were welcomed back, internal divisions urged to heal.
But cohesion cannot replace reform. Reviving familiar faces strengthens the machinery, but it won’t explain why young and urban Malaysians have drifted away.
Vice-presidents Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stressed putting the party above personal interest and restoring Malay trust, while Wanita chief Noraini called on Puteri members to embrace the party’s founding principles.
There were however moments of honesty. Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh broke from the scripted reassurance, pointing to the growing disconnect between rhetoric and reality. Public patience — and credibility — is running out.
The calls for royal clemency for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak sparked solidarity in the hall but risked reopening old scandals that caused the 2018 downfall.
Umno’s legacy is immense, but so is its responsibility. Loyalty and discipline alone cannot rebuild trust; accountability and change are essential.
By choosing caution over courage, Umno has bought time. Whether it uses it to rediscover a vision or simply preserve the status quo — will determine if it remains relevant or drifts further into managed decline.
In today’s political climate, survival alone is no longer enough. Without action, clarity and courage, time may be the one thing Umno no longer has.