Umno’s Demands for Apology Reflect Old Arrogance, Says Tajuddin
Nur Jazlan demands Pakatan Harapan apology for past criticisms, but critics argue Umno’s history makes it undeserving of making such demands
Umno supreme council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed recently called for Pakatan Harapan (PH) to apologise for tarnishing Umno’s reputation for decades. His demand follows two recent by-election victories that have bolstered Umno’s confidence, despite the party’s past misdeeds and failures, particularly after being ousted in the 2018 general election. Nur Jazlan argued that PH “desperately needs” Umno to maintain power.
Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi’s Rebuttal
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Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani
Academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, however, disagreed, stating that Umno’s troubled history – including allegations of corruption, racial division, and poor governance – makes it unworthy of any apology. He argued that it was PH, under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, that gave Umno a political lifeline after its disastrous performance in the last general election. He further critiqued Jazlan’s call as misguided, accusing him of re-opening old wounds rather than fostering unity within the coalition.
Umno’s Continued Struggle with Arrogance
Tajuddin noted that despite PH holding the majority of parliamentary seats, Umno remains an equal partner in the current government. However, he warned that statements like Jazlan’s reflect a lingering arrogance in Umno’s leadership, which still views itself as the “big brother” in Malaysia’s political landscape. Tajuddin also chastised Umno’s youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for divisive rhetoric that could undermine future cooperation within the coalition.
Umno’s Political Future in Limbo
While Nur Jazlan warned against arrogance in maintaining the coalition government, his call for an apology reflects deeper internal struggles within Umno, which has yet to fully reconcile its role as a junior partner in the PH-led administration. The party’s future hinges on whether it can adapt to its current role or risk further alienation, particularly in the face of growing public dissatisfaction with the old political order.