Umno's decline likened to Titanic's sinking - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - Umno is now likened to the Titanic ocean liner that has sunk to the ocean floor due to the diminishing support of the Malay community and the people.

Political analyst from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Professor Datuk Jayum Jawan said that with the worst defeat in the party's history in the 15th General Election and only winning 19 out of 108 contested seats in the state elections recently, the party seems to have reached its 'end'.

According to Jayum, it is certain that Umno President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is not a leader capable of saving the sacred Malay party.

"If Umno wants to be saved, there needs to be a major overhaul but who has the credibility to shoulder that responsibility and significant role is the question," he told Sinar.

He made these remarks when asked to comment on Zahid's statement taking full responsibility for the party's poor performance in the state election.

However, the Bagan Datuk MP explained that even though Umno lost, it doesn't mean he will step down as the party's President.

Meanwhile, Jayum said that the decision to step down or not is Zahid's prerogative.

"He was appointed the Umno President without contesting. Therefore, Umno members and the public need to learn to what extent he truly has support among the representatives.

"Taking responsibility for leadership weaknesses and resigning as a sign of respect for trust and personal integrity is not a common trait and culture among Malaysians compared to Eastern countries like Japan and South Korea, where it is somewhat extreme.

"Our people tend to find excuses and point fingers at others to cover their own weaknesses. They also sometimes lose their sense of shame if they do not fulfill their duties properly," he explained.