SEVERAL former UMNO leaders who were previously suspended or expelled have recently applied to rejoin the party, a development observers say reflects ongoing efforts by the party to restore internal cohesion and rebuild its political base ahead of the next general election.
While political analysts caution that it remains difficult to determine whether UMNO has fully regained its past strength, the latest moves are widely seen as part of a broader strategy to win back Malay voter support and reassert its position at the centre of national politics.
Ilham Centre executive director Hishammuddin Bakar said the developments suggest UMNO is capitalising on divisions within rival coalitions to reposition itself as a more stable and organised political force.
He noted that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition has long relied on the narrative of Malay-Islamic unity to consolidate support, but any weakening of that perception could erode its overall appeal.
“In elections, if there are three-cornered fights or the opposition camp is loosely organized, the relative advantage tends to favour the parties that appear more stable and well-organised.”
Oriental Daily, on Saturday, cited Hishammuddin adding that UMNO appears to be taking advantage of internal tensions within PN to strengthen its organisational structure and present itself as a credible alternative for Malay voters, particularly those who had shifted their support in previous elections.
He said UMNO’s “National Home” (Rumah Banga) concept reflects ongoing efforts to repair internal divisions that emerged before and after the last general election, while also signalling readiness for the 16th general election.
According to him, the party is seeking to reassure voters that it offers greater stability, governance experience and institutional continuity compared to its rivals.
Looking ahead, Hishammuddin said that the outcomes of state elections in Melaka and Johor will serve as important indicators of whether UMNO’s internal reconciliation efforts have translated into tangible electoral gains.
“UMNO’s real test is the upcoming elections, with the Melaka and Johor state elections serving as important indicators.”
He added that if state and federal elections are held separately, those contests will provide a clearer measure of UMNO’s ability to maintain or rebuild voter confidence.
On the broader political landscape, Hishammuddin suggested that ongoing internal issues within Bersatu could potentially benefit Barisan Nasional, as fragmentation among rival parties may make it easier for UMNO to reclaim support among Malay voters who had previously defected.
He cautioned, however, that votes lost by Bersatu would not automatically transfer to a single party, as voter behaviour is influenced by demographic, ideological and identity-based factors.
“In the past, the voters who supported Perikatan Nasional mainly came from two groups: young Malay voters and protesting voters who were dissatisfied with Barisan Nasional. Therefore, if Bersatu’s situation continues to weaken, some voters may reconsider supporting UMNO, but others will continue to support PAS due to identity, religious factors and feelings for the Jaya camp.”
Hishammuddin said Bersatu is currently navigating a challenging period marked by internal disputes, a reduction in parliamentary representation and increasing influence of PAS within PN’s leadership structure.
While he stopped short of predicting the party’s decline, he said Bersatu faces structural and organisational challenges, including filling leadership gaps left by the departure of senior figures such as Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, previously a key figure in the party.
He added that Bersatu must stabilise its internal structure and demonstrate continued relevance within the PN coalition if it is to maintain its position and influence in future electoral contests. – March 21, 2026
