Progressive or conservative? What will Umno choose as both paths taken, says Shahril

SHAH ALAM - Suspended Umno member Shahril Hamdan has questioned the path the biggest Malay party is taking.

He said Pakatan Harapan (PH) represents the progressive block while Perikatan Nasional (PN) dominates the conservative Malay base.

"If Umno is sandwiched between progressive block, PH owns while the conservative Malay base is dominated by PN" he said.

"Where is Umno's future and where will Umno contribute to which coalition?" he sid during Sinar Daily's Along the Watchtower podcast to be aired soon.

Shahril said the upcoming state elections will be a test for his party.

Umno being pragmatic by joining forces with PH

On Umno joining PH under unity government, he said it was a proof that there is no permanent enemies or friends in politics.

He said the party was also being pragmatic about the decision.

"In Umno, at least in my understanding, people inside the party have mixed-feelings. Some are happy to go with it while some have major reservations and are choosing to stay silent," he said.

"If you see the Umno election results later this weekend and if it becomes an election that confirms the huge support of deference, it would indicate their feelings of discomfort but they are happy to go with it. That's my hypothesis," he further explained.

He pointed out that the coalition is something that Umno members are willing to go with as long as there is a space for Umno in the government.