UMNO should not merely be a decorative piece in the unity government but instead must play a significant role, which includes keeping the government in check, former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said. 

The former Umno vice-president said the party must show its strength as the largest party with the largest number of members and its success in developing the country for over half a century.

“Thus, Umno cannot just be a decorative piece in the government, if I can borrow the words of party president (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) and his deputy (Mohamad Hasan) in referring it to be,” he said, writing in an article published in Utusan Malaysia, today. 

He was referring to Zahid’s previous remarks that Umno was only playing a complementary role in Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government while Mohamad had said Umno was only a passenger in the government.

Ismail’s article comes after the unity government’s national convention two weeks ago at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL), the home of Umno.

Ismail also questioned the need to hold the convention at Dewan Merdeka in WTCKL where leaders from Pakatan Harapan (PH) parties, including long-time rival DAP, had gathered for the first time.

“Was there a hidden agenda by some parties for the convention to be held at Dewan Merdeka, which has long been the venue for Umno?

“Or did Umno invite all these leaders for reasons only they are aware of?

“(However) there are many complaints from Umno supporters and grassroots on this,” he said.

Ismail reminded Umno leaders to “heal the hearts of wounded grassroots” over the party’s cooperation with PH. 

He described it as “something very bitter to swallow”. 

“It is not wrong for Umno, especially the youth wing, to criticise any government action that causes the people’s annoyance,” he said. 

Umno Youth, he said, should dare to speak up to represent the party and the people.

“It is more unfortunate when the youth wing becomes a spokesman for other parties in a coalition that does not benefit Umno,” he said.

Ismail admitted that the current political situation made it difficult for Umno to determine its direction because the party was not “a king who manages the pawns”.

“The time has come for Umno to rise again and build strength, and not be afraid to reprimand for the good of the country,” he said. 

Ismail did not defend his position as vice-president in the Umno election that took place in  March. 

He, however, remains the Bera division chief. – May 27, 2023.