
Umno sees grassroots surge with over 20,000 branches active
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno saw a significant resurgence at the grassroots level, with a record 20,710 branches nationwide holding their annual meetings this year, said party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
This is an increase from 20,005 branches last year.
"This demonstrates that the party's grassroots are not only active, but highly motivated," he said during a visit to Balai Berita last Friday.
Present were Media Prima Television Networks News and Current Affairs group editor Azhari Muhidin, New Straits Times deputy group editor Sharanjit Singh, Berita Harian group editor Zulkifli Jalil and deputy group editor M. Thillinadan.
Asyraf said sentiment on the ground showed continued loyalty to Umno's founding principles, even as the party navigated its role in the unity government alongside Pakatan Harapan.
"What truly matters is that our core struggle — the Islamic agenda and the position of the Malays and Bumiputera — must never be diluted. As long as the party can defend and advance its agenda through this cooperation, it is not only acceptable but also welcomed by our grassroots."
When asked how this year's meetings compared to previous ones, Asyraf noted a "distinct shift" in mood.
"This could be due to several factors. For one, the party has grown stronger. The performance of Umno ministers, as well as leaders helming government-linked companies and key agencies, has been commendable," he added.
The increased enthusiasm, he added, also reflected growing confidence in the party's direction, bolstered by its performance in recent by-elections.
Umno retained its seats in Pelangai and Mahkota and reclaimed ground in Ayer Kuning.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Analysts doubt Azmin's claim that PN can win 10 more seats in Selangor
Selangor PN chief Azmin Ali recently claimed that the coalition could take over the Selangor government by winning 10 more seats at the next state election. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Analysts have questioned the recent claim by Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief Azmin Ali that the coalition is capable of winning 10 more seats at the next state election. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the voter demographics in several mixed constituencies would make it difficult for PN to gain ground. He added that Azmin's confidence could be based on data from the previous state election. 'If PN secures 7,000 votes in the constituencies it previously lost, it might have a chance of forming the state government. 'But in reality… PN's chances in Selangor are slim,' he said. Azmin had said in his speech at a Selangor Bersatu event that PN could take over the state government by winning 10 more seats. PN currently holds 22 of the 56 seats in the Selangor state assembly. Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said dissatisfaction among Umno members with the Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan (BN–PH) alliance was a key factor in PN's previous gains at the last state election in 2023. He said about 20% of Umno voters shifted their support during that election as they were influenced by negative portrayals of DAP – especially in Malay-majority areas – which contributed to PN's success. 'However, after more than two years, the unity government's image has improved and public confidence has grown. Many Umno members who backed PN may now return to Umno,' he said. 'PN may win a few more seats, but likely not more than in the last election,' he added. The PH-BN alliance lost ground to PN at the August 2023 state election, claiming victory in 34 seats – 32 of which were won by PH – compared to the 2018 election when PH won 51 of the 56 seats. BN won four seats then, and PAS one.


Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
Ex-MACC chief will be an asset for Umno, says Puad
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: It was reported on Saturday that Dzulkifli Ahmad had officially joined Umno, through the Merbau Kudong branch under the Tasek Gelugor division. (File pic) PETALING JAYA: An Umno leader says former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad could be an asset to the party, particularly by providing checks and balances. Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said Dzulkifli joined the party through the regular process, without involving top-level negotiations. Advertisement 'He dealt with the branch and division chiefs directly (with respect to his application to join Umno). He's starting from the bottom, not using Umno as a transit. 'There was no red carpet and no promise of any positions. No big fuss,' he said in a Facebook post. Puad previously said that one of Umno's biggest mistakes was 'spoiling' Tengku Zafrul Aziz by giving him the red-carpet treatment. His comment followed Tengku Zafrul's decision to quit as an Umno member, and his plans to join PKR instead. Puad said Umno was happy to have Dzulkifli join the party, describing him as an asset who could help the party with issues of legislation, anti-corruption, and transparency. It was reported on Saturday that Dzulkifli had officially joined Umno, through the Merbau Kudong branch under the Tasek Gelugor division. Dzulkifli said he was joining as an ordinary member and that he had chosen Umno because of its past dominance. He also said he hoped to bring 'a new breath of life' to the Malay-based party. Speculation was rife that Dzulkifli would contest the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary seat during the 15th general election in 2022, but the rumours never materialised. He was appointed MACC chief on Aug 1, 2016 and resigned in May 2018 after Pakatan Harapan formed the government following its victory in the 14th general election. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
Analysts doubt Azmin's claim that PN can win 10 more seats in Selangor
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Chia Wan Rou, FMT Text Size: Selangor PN chief Azmin Ali recently claimed that the coalition could take over the Selangor government by winning 10 more seats at the next state election. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Analysts have questioned the recent claim by Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief Azmin Ali that the coalition is capable of winning 10 more seats at the next state election. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the voter demographics in several mixed constituencies would make it difficult for PN to gain ground. Advertisement He added that Azmin's confidence could be based on data from the previous state election. 'If PN secures 7,000 votes in the constituencies it previously lost, it might have a chance of forming the state government. 'But in reality… PN's chances in Selangor are slim,' he said. Azmin had said in his speech at a Selangor Bersatu event that PN could take over the state government by winning 10 more seats. PN currently holds 22 of the 56 seats in the Selangor state assembly. Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said dissatisfaction among Umno members with the Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan (BN–PH) alliance was a key factor in PN's previous gains at the last state election in 2023. He said about 20% of Umno voters shifted their support during that election as they were influenced by negative portrayals of DAP – especially in Malay-majority areas – which contributed to PN's success. 'However, after more than two years, the unity government's image has improved and public confidence has grown. Many Umno members who backed PN may now return to Umno,' he said. 'PN may win a few more seats, but likely not more than in the last election,' he added. The PH-BN alliance lost ground to PN at the August 2023 state election, claiming victory in 34 seats – 32 of which were won by PH – compared to the 2018 election when PH won 51 of the 56 seats. BN won four seats then, and PAS one. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia