UMNO heads to its presidential elections this weekend. If events at its Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri wings are any indication of things to come, it would appear that Umno wants to maintain the status quo for the most part, while removing certain leaders that the grassroots probably feel contributed to the party’s dismal showing in the last general election.

The past month has likely been the worst in Umno’s long history. Barisan Nasional, headed by Umno, has all but disintegrated, with just the original founding Perikatan members remaining.

The party saw its worst showing in politics, ending with it being kicked out of federal government and only managing to win control over two state governments, putting it in its weakest position since the formation of the BN coalition.

Now unable to buy support with power and funds, it also lost a great bulk of its legions of supporting “NGOs”, fringe parties, friendly associations and celebrities.

Most leaders appear to still be in a state of shock. The once-revered local warlords who would be invited to every government and GLC event in their respective areas are now shunned, while their former hosts scramble to identify their Pakatan counterparts.

Their signature, previously highly-sought after for letters of support, recommendations, licence applications, contractor registrations and a litany of other reasons, are now of little value outside Umno.

But, for the sake of a new, democratic, two-party Malaysia, Umno needs to get its act together.

Alone, the individual BN component parties do not really stand a fighting chance against the new government. Many of them had depended too heavily on the government and Umno to do the heavy lifting for them, whether it is to implement programmes, for publicity, or to highlight a particular cause.

Most of these were done via high level closed door meetings and whispers on the corridors of power. Removed from both, the smaller parties simply do not have ways to get things said or done. To make matters worse, most of these parties depend on direct funds from the government, as they lack the investment arms that Umno, MCA and MIC have.

Meanwhile, over the years, Umno has, on the other hand, quite effectively inserted itself into every level of government and in nearly all government-linked companies, agencies and bodies. Even when they are no longer in power, this intermingled structure largely remains intact, along with the strong connection with the civil service, especially on the middle and lower rungs.

What Umno lacks, is good access to civil society, academia and non-traditional media which their former allies in BN can help them with.

A rejuvenated BN is ideal to serve as an effective check and balance against the newly minted government. At this point, BN has a stronger understanding than Pakatan on government machinery and its weaknesses.

This gives them the opportunity to criticise much more constructively. and presents a chance for BN members, especially those who lacked the power or courage to make changes with their own administration, to do so now. They would also be able to monitor against abuse of government coffers, being familiar with where the cash is and potential ways they could be abused.

Having just Umno and Pas as the two dominant federal opposition parties would be counter-productive to a multiracial Malaysia. 

Pas would not be able to do much for Umno other than to strengthen its religious credentials. Either way, PAS looks more comfortable going at it alone. To Umno, teaming up with Pas would mean sharing the East Coast power base, while largely forsaking the urban mixed seats and the middle ground.

Umno already has what it takes to lead its allies to become a formidable opponent to the Pakatan government – resources, funds, know-how and structure. All it needs to do is shed its money politics and other excesses which alienated them from the electorate, and help their broken allies stand up again.  To truly lead, and not bully their way into getting what they want.

Then we may see a leaner, genuine and stronger BN emerge, one that people can relate to again. And a two-party system will truly be achieved, and no matter which pact wins the elections, the people can rest assured that they always will. – June 27, 2018.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.