Penang leaders’ exchange shows Umno’s dilemma with PH, says analyst

An analyst sees recent statements by two Penang Umno leaders on ties with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as an indication of the party’s dilemma.

Rashidi Zinol, the sole Barisan Nasional (BN) representative in the Penang government, had called for continued cooperation between the coalitions in Penang, describing it as constructive and beneficial to the state.

Penang Umno Youth chief Hilmi Elias, however, dismissed the Sungai Acheh assemblyman’s statement, saying it did not represent that of the state party leadership.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said Umno was trying to show that it would stick to its principles, but without burning bridges with PH.

“This is where Umno’s dilemma begins. The party talks about uniting the Malays, but remains part of a PH-led government.

“Umno wants to preserve its identity, but the political reality forces it to explore every possibility,” he told FMT.

BN and PH are allies at the federal level, although ties were strained following BN’s decision to join forces with Perikatan Nasional at the Negeri Sembilan state election.

Yesterday, BN chairman and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he saw no possibility of cooperation between his coalition and PH.

Zaharuddin said BN could no longer form the government on its own following the last general election.

“So every step it takes comes with a price,” he added.

Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said the two coalitions remained wary of each other and had yet to truly establish trust with one another.

She said while Umno had emphasised Malay unity at its general assembly, many questions among the leadership remained unanswered.

“These include whether an Umno-PAS pact would increase the party’s chances of winning at the next election,” she said.

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