Umno’s actions not matching its words, says analyst
Political analysts suggest that Umno is actively undermining Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim despite publicly pledging support for his administration. The tension is reportedly driven by Umno's desire to capitalize on recent election momentum and push for an early general election.
Why it matters
The internal friction within the ruling coalition threatens the stability of the Malaysian federal government.
Umno has repeatedly stressed that it supports Anwar Ibrahim but, analysts say, their actions do not reflect that promise.
PETALING JAYA: Despite pledging to back Anwar Ibrahim until the end of the current parliamentary term, Umno appears to be trying to undermine the prime minister instead of actually supporting him, says an analyst.
James Chin.
James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Umno was already putting the screws on Anwar, especially after its strong showing in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls, with the latter election won through a pact with Perikatan Nasional.
With the Melaka state election also expected soon and another Barisan Nasional victory widely anticipated, Chin said the Umno-led coalition would want to ride on this momentum by pushing for an early general election.
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