In recent times, the relationship between United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has reached its all-time low that a key development was observed in the tussle for leadership in Malaysia’s government. In a February 26 decision, UMNO has announced the severance of ties with Bersatu, the party of the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia. This breaking news was followed by the statement from UMNO Party deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan (also known as “Tok Mat”), that said, “I don’t understand why people are saying that Umno and Bersatu are now divorced when we never got married in the first place. We were never in a formal coalition like Barisan Nasional.”

Were they just friends with benefits and the political analysts were right in their prediction that the alliance was doomed from the start? UMNO was the party with the largest number of Members of Parliament in the Perikatan Nasional coalition, more than Bersatu. Professor James Chin, director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania, remarked, “In the end, they (UMNO) were outmaneuvered, with many key ministerial positions given to Bersatu MPs. UMNO was found wanting.” 

Join us as our host, Simon Yeo, discusses in this week’s episode, the King’s suggestion to reconvene Parliament and the outlook for the Malaysian political landscape following the split between UMNO and Bersatu in the Prime Minister’s coalition that formed the backdoor government.