BN's Nenggiri by-election win boosts Umno's image, restructuring efforts - Analyst

ALOR SETAR - Barisan Nasional's (BN) victory in the Nenggiri state by-election in Kelantan will serve as a catalyst for efforts to rebuild Umno's image and restructure the party.

Political analyst Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said the victory also gave Umno a much-needed morale boost after its unexpected defeat in the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018.

This, he said also showed that the party was still capable of attracting voters' support, especially in predominantly Malay areas.

"It also reflects that the recovery formula for Umno by its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is beginning to show its impact.

"BN is now capable of achieving significant victories in areas traditionally dominated by Pas, including rural areas previously considered strongholds of Pas," he said.

Meanwhile, the former Special Affairs Department (Jasa) director-general said the defeat of Perikatan Nasional (PN) in what was considered a "safe" area served as a signal or warning to Pas.

"Perhaps PN needs to reassess their strategy and approach, especially in the context of competing with other Malay parties.

"Pas may also need to consider a more inclusive and progressive approach to maintain the support of young and urban voters," he added.

Zaharuddin said Pas should reconsider their collaboration with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), which seemed to frequently fall short against Umno in their contested areas.

He added that it looked like Bersatu was merely "riding" on Pas' success in Malay areas.

"It seems that the strategy of declaring the original assemblyman as illegitimate by the Speaker has backfired on PN," he said.

He said the by-election results have triggered a wave of change in the country’s political landscape.

Umno's victory, he said may alter the dynamics within the Federal Government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"It could put pressure on the current administration to be more responsive to the needs of rural voters and to reassess existing policies.

"The Federal Government may also need to adopt a more balanced approach in the distribution of resources and the implementation of development projects moving forward," he added.

He said Umno was now viewed as a party to watch by its allies in Pakatan Harapan (PH), as its growing strength could potentially undermine its coalition partners in the government, who might ultimately turn against them.

He added that BN's victory in the by-election not only impacted the involved parties but also has the potential to alter the political dynamics at both the state and Federal levels.

"It shows that Malaysia's political landscape continues to evolve and change, with voters becoming increasingly savvy in making choices based on performance and policies, rather than just party loyalty.

"This development may influence the strategies of political parties and voting patterns in upcoming elections," he said.