Umno's decision to axe and suspend key members will benefit the opposition - analysts

SHAH ALAM - Umno’s decision to axe and suspend its members from the party will benefit the opposition.

International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst, Dr Syaza Shukri said the move will make a lot of Malay voters unhappy with how things are currently progressing within the party.

“The Malay voters who are not happy with how things are will probably not vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“Perikatan Nasional would be their choice as in terms of ideology the coalition is similar to Umno, " she told Sinar Daily

Syaza is of the opinion that the party's president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recent chess move will make the Malay party weaker.

"He seems to be creating a hostile environment that will limit his next move and cause a disadvantage to Umno itself," she said.

Echoing Dr Syaza’s opinion, political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said the sacking and suspension in Umno could lead several leaders to pivot their support.

“Some of the more conventional Umno politicians like Tan Sri Noh Omar and Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, could pivot their support to PN.

“While others who have a more reformist or progressive image could maybe form their own parties or join PH which has a similar image,” he contended.

Dr Oh however said he felt the move will not make much difference to the upcoming state elections as most Malay voters would still prefer a Malay centric party.

Last Friday, the Umno supreme council had decided to axe former Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin and former Umno Selangor chief, Tan Sri Noh Omar.

Meanwhile, 42 more of its party members - including Sembrong MP and former Vice President, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and former Information Chief, Shahril Sufian Hamdan were suspended for six years.