Matter of time before Umno implodes
Malaysiakini.com
Mar 31, 2008
Suria Kenchana

It is becoming imminent by the day that with the current challenges it is facing both internally and externally, Umno is set to implode. Notwithstanding these challenges, it is not able to reinvent itself and respond fast enough in order to restore lost ground and voters' confidence. The problem is both structural and mental. MCPX

The structural constraints revolve around its inability to purge non-performing topmost leadership fast enough due to the requirement that an inspiring challenger like, Ku Li for instance, would need to obtain at least 60 nominations from Umno branches around the country before he is able to contest in the Umno tri-annual supreme council.

Supporters are not easily forthcoming due to various reasons. This include fear of reprisals from the standing leadership and a limited financial war chest to pull potential supporters to his side. Apart from the unfair advantage that the incumbents always have such as power and resources, the challenger would have to gather enough guts and luck to be able to make his way safely through in the future in the event his attempt fails. From this perspective, Umno is a very undemocratic political party.

This structure was put up by Dr Mahathir Mohamad to prevent any repeat challenges to his leadership as had been attempted by Ku Li in 1987. It was put up without the thought that the same structure could entrap non-performing key leaders with declining support of party members and the voting public alike. As is evident now, even Mahathir regrets that he had erected this structure.

Indeed it has become an armour that protects top most leaders who cling on to power no matter how much they failed the people and their supporters and no matter how bad is the quality of their leadership is.

The mental aspect of the problem revolves around the deeply entrenched culture of self-denial and the strong talent in finding excuses and finger-pointing to completely unrelated causes for any of the misdeed that have befallen the party. This coupled with a chauvinistic and bigoted mentality seriously incapacitates Umno from being able to react and respond to changes to its external environment quickly.

All these factors will result in the built-up of centripetal forces within Umno as an organisation and it will finally implode and disintegrate into splinter groups, gangs and factions.

The younger generations both from within and outside the party would neither subscribe nor succumb to this outlandish culture. They are most likely to dissent or even to jump ship.

Wth the mounting problems and increasing challenges both internally and externally, it could well be a matter of time before Umno implodes.

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