Time To Leave The Table Before The Feast Turns Rotten

UMNO entered this so-called Unity Government not out of desperation, but out of duty, honouring the former King’s decree to bring stability to a fractured nation. We took our place at the table in good faith, believing our voice would matter, our principles would be respected, and our struggle would be upheld. Yet, what we see today is a government that defies the very monarch who crowned it, tramples on the unspoken courtesies between partners, sidelines the Malay agenda, and treats UMNO as political window dressing. We are not here to be complicit in betrayal, nor to play second fiddle in a marriage that has lost its respect.

1. Upholding the King’s Decree

UMNO’s entry into the Unity Government was in large part due to the explicit wish of the then-Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who sought political stability through our cooperation with Pakatan Harapan. Yet, the current administration’s defiance of His Majesty’s addendum on Najib Razak’s house arrest is a direct affront to the very monarch who bestowed legitimacy on this government. Remaining in the Cabinet under these circumstances risks UMNO being seen as complicit in undermining the monarchy’s authority.

2. Insult to UMNO’s Dignity

The acceptance of Tengku Zafrul into PKR was not just bad manners, it was a slap across UMNO’s face. It told the world that our boundaries mean nothing, that anyone can betray UMNO today and find a red carpet waiting for them in Pakatan Harapan tomorrow. And if we swallow this without action, then we signal that UMNO’s honour is cheap.

3. A Marriage in Constant Quarrel

This so-called “Unity” is unity in name only. We have coalition partners who openly mock UMNO leaders, belittle our grassroots, and challenge our positions on policies that affect our people. We are treated less like partners and more like troublesome in-law, tolerated but never respected.

4. Preserving UMNO’s Honour

Remaining in the Cabinet without meaningful influence risks reducing UMNO to a political accessory, present for optics but powerless in decision making. Stepping out of the Cabinet now would be an act of principle, signalling to our members and the rakyat that positions and perks are secondary to honour and conviction.

5. Distancing from Policy Failures

This administration has made contentious decisions such as ambiguous economic recovery measures, weak cost of living interventions, and inconsistent foreign policy stances that are increasingly unpopular among the rakyat. If we remain in Cabinet, every bad decision will have UMNO’s fingerprints on it. 

6.Demonstrating Loyalty to the Original Royal Mandate

Our loyalty to the former King was in fulfilling his wish to ensure stability at a moment of national uncertainty. That mission has been carried out. However, loyalty to that decree does not require blind compliance with all subsequent actions by the government, especially when they run contrary to UMNO’s principles and the monarchy’s dignity. 

7. Guarding UMNO’s Soul

UMNO is the shield of Islam, the guardian of the monarchy, the defender of the Malay race, and the protector of our Tanahair. If we keep bending to the whims of partners who neither share nor respect these values, we risk becoming unrecognisable even to our own members. Withdrawal is not abandonment of duty but a necessary correction to protect our legacy. 

8. Sending a Clear Message to the Rakyat

By stepping out of Cabinet but keeping the government afloat in Parliament, UMNO sends an unmistakable message,  ie, we are not afraid to sacrifice power for principle. We will cooperate for stability, but we will not sell our soul for a seat at the table. 

9.Sacrificing Borrowed Power for Long-term Credibility

Comfortable ministerial positions and GLC appointments are fleeting. What endures is the perception of UMNO’s integrity. By relinquishing these trappings of borrowed power and ending our role as a “loose supporting actress” in this government, we restore our credibility, morale, and the respect of our supporters, positioning UMNO for a stronger future. 

10. Power Is Borrowed, But Honour Is Ours, And We Must Not Trade It For Anyone’s Convenience.

DATUK TENGKU PUTRA HARON AMINURRASHID JUMAT
UMNO Membership 01059553
Johor.