Ismail Sabri says Umno must face reality of 28% Malay support and focus on unity over nostalgia
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Umno must move on from nostalgia of its past glory and face the present political reality, including the fact that Malay support for the party has significantly declined.
Ismail said current estimates show that Umno’s support among Malay voters stands at only about 28 per cent, a clear signal that the party must undertake serious reforms and reposition itself to regain relevance.
“Umno needs to rise and move out of the nostalgia of its former glory. We must accept the current reality that the Malays are no longer with us as before,” he said in a statement after attending the opening of the 2025 Umno General Assembly at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre (WTC), here today.
Despite the sobering assessment of Umno’s current standing, the former Umno vice-president welcomed the keynote address delivered by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, particularly its emphasis on unity rather than division as a means to strengthen the party.
“I welcome the president’s speech, especially his emphasis on unity and not separation in efforts to rebuild and strengthen Umno.”
Ismail stressed that, given the current political climate, unity among the Malay community is crucial to safeguard the position of Islam and the Malays in the country.
“In today’s situation, unity among the Malay ummah is very important to ensure that the position of religion and race is not threatened.”
He also expressed support for Ahmad Zahid’s proposal of the “Pintu Rumah Bangsa” concept, which aims to provide a platform for political reconciliation and consolidation among Malays.
According to Ismail, the initiative could help bridge differences and reunite fragmented Malay political forces, including bringing back those who are currently outside Umno.
“The ‘Pintu Rumah Bangsa’ idea introduced by the president will open space for unity, narrow differences and reunite Malay political strength, including welcoming back those who are now ‘outside’.
However, Ismail cautioned that the success of such a major agenda depends on sincerity and genuine commitment from all parties involved.
“I hope all sides are truly sincere and honest in implementing this big agenda for the sake of religion, race and the nation.”
