KUALA LUMPUR, El Sky News — Malaysia’s largest Malay-based political party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), has confirmed that no motion has been submitted calling for the party to withdraw from the Unity Government ahead of its annual general assembly scheduled for mid-January 2026.
UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party received a total of 662 proposals from 175 out of 191 party divisions nationwide, none of which included a call for UMNO to exit the Unity Government.
Speaking at UMNO headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Asyraf stressed that while the party remains open to internal debate, the official agenda of the general assembly will not include any motion to withdraw support from the ruling coalition.
Internal Matters Take Priority
According to Asyraf, the submitted proposals primarily focus on internal party strengthening, economic concerns, education, and social issues, reflecting UMNO’s intention to consolidate its position within the current political landscape rather than trigger instability.
“The party respects freedom of expression among its members, but any official motion must follow established procedures. At this point, no proposal has been received regarding UMNO leaving the Unity Government,” he said.
Calls for Najib Razak’s Royal Pardon Dominate Discussions
One of the most prominent themes emerging from the proposals is the continued support for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. A significant number of divisions have submitted motions calling for full royal clemency for Najib, underscoring his enduring influence within the party despite his legal troubles.
Party insiders say the issue remains emotionally and politically significant for UMNO members, making it a key topic of discussion during the assembly.
No Invitations for Coalition Partners
UMNO also confirmed that no formal invitations have been extended to other Unity Government coalition partners to attend the general assembly. Party leaders said the decision was made to ensure discussions remain focused on internal party matters without external political pressure.
Political Implications
Political analysts view UMNO’s decision not to table a motion to leave the Unity Government as a strategic move to maintain political stability while managing internal dissent. Although some factions have previously called for UMNO to reposition itself as an opposition party, such sentiments were not reflected in the official proposals.
The stance signals UMNO’s continued commitment to the Unity Government, at least in the near term, while the party works to address internal challenges and redefine its role in Malaysia’s evolving political landscape.
(Lunar)
