Do It Now Before It S Too Late

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THE Umno General Assembly saw the curtain down on Sunday the 28th. It was a success amid criticism by some factions within the party itself for the final decision to cease cooperation with Bersatu in the coming 15th general election.
Held virtually and face-to-face simultaneously for the first time (no 'gerai' and no observers flocking the PWTC foyer), the president's stinging address pointing to NO DAP, NO ANWAR, NO BERSATU has somehow corked those who had tried their best to create uneasiness by linking Umno to the Pakatan Harapan parties.
However, there was dissent voice among Umno's Members of Parliament and division heads, notably those holding portfolios in PM Muhyiddin Yassin's cabinet and the GLCs. Not easy for the Umno president to curtail such a 'mutiny' in the party unless he and the Supreme Council be brave and bold enough to act.
I mean, act against the ministers, deputy ministers and GLC chairmen who refused the party's decision to quit PN or no more seat for them in GE15. Maybe three or four out of a dozen Umno ministers and deputies in the Cabinet had agreed to comply.
Others?
Yet to know. Still early, some said. However, I am of the believe most of them will not abide by the party decision, especially those (no point mentioning names) who act as a bridging agent for Umno-Bersatu in the government, that Umno must be with Bersatu and Pas in the GE15.
They can be right and wrong at the same time but the grassroots had avowed their disgust at Bersatu for what they had done to Umno. Name it, their insincerity and dishonesty really sulks, that's how they perceived it.
With Umno being sidelined in many important Cabinet meetings, plus what had happened during the Sabah state election last September, I can understand why Muhyiddin, Hamzah and Azmin are finding it more difficult to persuade them to work together.
Whose fault?
Even Pas, Umno's buddy in Muafakat Nasional, is torn between two lovers. Apart from becoming a component in Perikatan Nasional, it got another foot on MN, the vehicle that pushed it and Umno to victory in the last seven by-elections.
Zahid is smart, do not underestimate him. He is expected to have a harrowing time to convince his MPs to pull the plug on PN. However, he himself will face another torrid time in the next party elections, slotted to be this year.
He can call the assembly a success because almost all delegates stand behind him but the actual test is coming from his MPs. If party election is delayed or deferred, Umno might see changes in the grassroots' political aptitude. I believe the 'minister cluster' will resort to whatever tactic to make them change their mind.
Bersatu has the money. Umno can boast about its grassroots support. But always remember that money can buy anything. With PN's MP buying spree, Umno got the division heads to watch!
My take - If Umno wants to withdraw from PN, do it now, don't wait for the emergency to end on August 1. By then, I'm afraid more will fall to Bersatu's cash offer!
Let go of those who are against the majority. Do it now before it becomes a minority decision. Let them contest GE15 under PN's ticket!
(My 20 sen)

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