Lower general assembly turnout suggests Umno divided, says grassroots leader

“As an old-timer in Umno, this saddens me. My peers did not want to attend because they do not have faith in the leadership”

(FMT) – The recent Umno general assembly registered a lower attendance compared to previous gatherings, several delegates noted, with one attributing the poor participation to divisions within the party.

A grassroots leader from Johor who spoke on condition of anonymity said the mood during the general assembly, held earlier this month, was depressing.

“It was not like how it used to be. The mood this time around was very down.

“People within the party are divided. Some are not happy with the leadership while others have chosen to join the party which they think champions Malay rights,” he told FMT, referring to Bersatu.

“As an old-timer in Umno, this saddens me. My peers did not want to attend because they do not have faith in the leadership,” said the leader who declined to be named.

He said many of those who attended the assembly did so to show solidarity for former prime minister Najib Razak. During the assembly, many delegates held up posters demanding justice for the former Umno president who is currently imprisoned.

A third grassroots leader from Negeri Sembilan, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said he only attended the assembly to be appraised of the party’s plans for the coming state elections.

“But the moment I walked into the hall on the first day, I sensed that we will not do well in the state elections.

“The Umno assembly is the party’s biggest event, but, unlike before, we did not see large numbers of people this time.”

A youth leader from Kuala Lumpur agreed there was a lower turnout but rubbished claims that it was on account of dissatisfaction with the present leadership.

He said the lack of funds to organise events, transport members and cater food led to fewer members attending the gathering.