THE history of Umno is intertwined with Malaysia’s, and this is clear in the hallways of Dewan Tun Razak, leading to Dewan Merdeka, at the Malay party’s towering headquarters.

On the right of the entrance to the Putra World Trade Centre is a long mural, depicting every milestone in the nation’s history, while on the left hang portraits of the party’s presidents. With the exception of Onn Jaafar, the portraits bear the title “prime minister”.

Missing, however, is a portrait of current president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid has also been missing from the limelight since officially winning the Malay party’s top post on July 1, weeks after Umno suffered a historic defeat in the May 9 general election.

The party’s main public face now is secretary-general Annuar Musa – and sometimes disgraced former president Najib Razak. But more is expected of Zahid when Umno holds its annual general assembly this weekend.

When Zahid did appear, he was either pictured cosying up to arch-rival PAS or meeting Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, himself a former Umno president.

Zahid’s intention is to bring the party back to Putrajaya before the next elections.

But so far, there is no indication this will happen. Furthermore, his courting of PAS has caused unease among the Umno grassroots.

Zahid’s appearance at PAS’ annual congress prompted one senior Umno leader, Mustapa Mohamed, to quit the party. To date, five MPs and 13 assemblymen have dumped Umno since the party lost federal power.

In an interview, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said the party can no longer fight for only one race, departing from Zahid’s Malay-Islam plan with PAS.

“Zahid seems to be very calculative with his moves because he’s rather quiet,” said International Islamic University Malaysia political science lecturer Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar.

“With news that he had met Dr Mahathir and PAS leaders, members may be puzzled as to where the party is headed.”

Zahid’s silence also puts him at risk of being eclipsed by his predecessor Najib’s almost daily statements on Facebook.

“Najib’s frequent statements seem to overshadow Zahid, giving the appearance of weakness,” said Tunku Mohar.

Perhaps, the Umno president knows this as well, and this is why photos of Najib are scant as the party prepares for its annual assembly at PWTC.

Youth deputy chief Shahril Hamdan, however, is optimistic that Zahid will provide clarity when he addresses the congress on Saturday.

“I’m expecting an exceptional speech outlining the future of the party, coupled with a passionate, persuasive argument for whatever path he wants us to follow.

“I believe he is capable, and I think members are waiting to see exactly that, as they have their own views, too,” said the 32-year-old.

Batu division exco Norhisham Abdul Mutalib said Zahid will need more than fiery speeches to turn delegates.

“Morale is at rock bottom now. The wounds have not yet healed, and he will need more than words to provide direction.”

Norhisham’s sentiments were echoed by University Malaya’s Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.

“Umno’s morale is very low now as the party is still in shock and there’s a lack of direction.

“The discourse must address how Umno can rise again on its own and combat the perception that its leaders are corrupt.”

Delegates to speak up

While Zahid’s speech will set the course, delegates, too, are expected to speak up at this year’s assembly.

“Much will revolve around the yet-unclear direction of the party. I suspect the debates will address the fundamental question of whether we want to work towards being a credible opposition or some back-door deal into the government,” said Shahril.

More than that, Awang Azman is hopeful that the debates will discuss ways for the party to rise again.

“Hopefully, they will also discuss how to overcome the perception that Umno leaders are involved in corruption scandals.

“Umno’s approach towards political partnerships will set the course for the party,” said the Malay Studies academic.

Tunku Mohar believes that delegates will use the opportunity to blame certain leaders for Umno’s defeat in the 14th general election.

“I’m expecting calls for the party to be more inward-looking and continue to champion Malay rights, which are supposedly under threat now.

“As for PAS, although there has yet to be any consensus, the (Umno) leadership’s gestures suggest that the party wants closer cooperation with the (Islamist) party.”

At PWTC, traders continue to prepare their booths ahead of the assembly, which kicks off tomorrow.

Usually, these booths would already be in business by Wednesday, but this year’s congress is only two days long instead of five, as austerity measures have been introduced.

Perhaps it was a slip of the pen, but this year’s theme, “Umno – Sebuah Perjuangan (A Struggle)”, resonates with what the party faces today.

And for 5,739 delegates, the struggle begins tomorrow. – September 27, 2018.