The United Malays National Organization (Umno) was a pillar of the coalition that ruled Malaysia for six a long time until it was ousted from power in 2018 amid a storm of corruption allegations.
After a period of political turmoil that saw the autumn of two governments, Umno regained power on the national level three months ago and regained the premiership earlier this yr.
Malaysia’s Najib is expecting a political comeback when Malacca state goes to the polls
Malaysia’s Najib is expecting a political comeback when Malacca state goes to the polls
The local government polls within the southern state of Malacca were a contest between Umno, its partners within the national government and the opposition alliance.
Umno’s victory indicates that it may do well in national elections.
Analysts say it’s also a significant victory for corruption-tainted Najib and will pave the best way for Umno to dominate national politics again.
“Umno won because they were much more disciplined. The biggest winner of this election is, of course, Najib. He was a key campaigner in Malacca,” said James Chin, a political analyst on the University of Tasmania.
Traditionally, Malacca has been an Umno stronghold, except when it lost leadership of the state in 2018.
By winning two-thirds of the seats, Umno and its alliances won 21 of the 28 contested seats, while its government partner secured two seats.
As Malaysia’s bumiputra policy turns 50, residents are debating the impact of affirmative motion
As Malaysia’s bumiputra policy turns 50, residents are debating the impact of affirmative motion
In the face of the virus epidemic, the federal government and opposition have signed an agreement ensuring political stability, under which parliament shall be dissolved for national elections in July next yr on the earliest.
Rival parties are also in search of support before the elections.
This coalition achieved a historic victory within the 2018 national elections, pushing the Umno-led coalition from power.
However, once in power, the alliance was fueled by fierce internal conflicts and ultimately collapsed in 2020.
This article appeared within the print edition of the South China Morning Post as: Umno coalition to win key state poll, others solid votes in Malaysian state elections
