Umno is like a thorn in the flesh of unity government, analysts say
The party actually expected Najib to be fully released but the opposite happened.
SHAH ALAM - The actions of a few Umno leaders who gave their views on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon decision at this time is like a thorn in the flesh of unity government because it caused conflicts with other parties.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Associate Research Fellow Muhammad Afifi Abdul Razak said that Umno actually expected Najib to be fully released but the opposite happened.
He said that Najib's full release could bring back Malay support for Umno in line with the party's goals.
"Umno's main goal is to win back the support of the Malays, it is not easy to win the support of the Malays because we know they are allergic to the DAP party. So one way is to try to free Najib.
"I think the leaders of Pakatan Harapan (PH) are also aware that Umno is becoming a thorn in the flesh day by day.
"They are not new to politics but have been for a long time, so they know that," he said when contacted by Sinar on Sunday.
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin opined any form of dissatisfaction and disagreement is normal in any coalition party including the unity government.
He said the matter could be resolved with a political reconciliation process and the wisdom of the leadership of the parties involved.
"I don't see any rift, in fact it is a normal thing when there is no agreement from different parties.
"The matter can certainly be resolved well for the sake of political stability," he explained.
