Tun M predicts Umno's downfall in GE16 following Kemaman by-election

SHAH ALAM - Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has predicted that Umno will be wiped out in the 16th general election (GE16) following Pas's landslide victory in the Kemaman by-election on Saturday.

In a posting on X, Dr Mahathir said that the Kemaman by-election has illustrated a further weakening of support for Umno, primarily due to the party's collaboration with DAP.

"Umno can only survive by splitting from DAP and returning to the struggle for race, country, and religion.

"Oudated party leaders need to be replaced. The issue of Malays needs to be fought for, especially regarding the poverty of Malays," Dr Mahathir said.

On Saturday, Pas's Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar secured a total of 64,998 votes, while the Barisan Nasional candidate, Tan Sri Raja Affandi Raja Noor, a retired general and former defence forces chief, garnered 27,778 votes.

The Terengganu Menteri Besar's majority in the straight fight was a whopping 37,220 votes.

In a related matter, the former Langkawi MP also added that Umno's voter demographics no longer comprise individuals who recognise the party's historical role in the country's development.

"Young voters grew up after the country progressed. They believe that the country has been developed as there are many skyscrapers," he explained.

"So they might not be aware of Umno's role in transforming the country from poverty in the past," Dr Mahathir added.

He also lamented that the destruction of Umno was by the "son of its former savior," who assumed leadership and steered the party towards ruin." "I am sad because the father who once saved Umno, at one point in time, has a son who destroyed Umno after taking over its leadership.

"Whether one likes it or not, this is the statement," he said.