A Shift in Malay Sentiment: The Nenggiri By-Election and UMNO’s Resurgence

The recent by-election in Nenggiri, Kelantan, has offered a surprising turn in Malaysian politics, especially for those closely watching the pulse of the Malay electorate. In what many see as a significant shift, Barisan Nasional (BN) has emerged victorious, taking the seat from PAS, a dominant force in Kelantan under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. The signs of a Malay desire for UMNO’s comeback are becoming evident, and the Nenggiri by-election might just be the most prominent indicator yet.

Nenggiri: A Political Battleground

Kelantan has long been a PAS stronghold, with the party commanding immense loyalty among the Malay voters in the state. However, Barisan Nasional’s candidate, Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, secured an impressive victory with a majority of 3,352 votes over PAS’ candidate, Mohd Rizwadi Ismail. This result is significant not only because it marks a rare loss for PAS in Kelantan but also because it signals the resurgence of UMNO’s influence in a state long dominated by its rivals.

The fact that voter turnout reached nearly 74% shows how engaged the electorate was, further emphasising that this was not a quiet by-election. The high turnout suggests that voters were motivated to make their voices heard, and they chose to return the seat to UMNO, a party that had previously held Nenggiri for four terms.

The Desire for Stability and Leadership

For many Malays, UMNO still represents a sense of stability and continuity. Despite its past scandals, UMNO is deeply intertwined with the political and cultural history of the Malay people. In contrast, the perception of PAS and PN as being more focused on religious conservatism and less on economic development may have contributed to this shift. The victory in Nenggiri, after the seat was previously lost by a slim margin in the last election, indicates that the Malay electorate is reconsidering where their interests are best represented.

The presence of UMNO heavyweights like Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and veteran politician Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah during the campaign demonstrated the party’s commitment to reclaiming its influence. Their ability to rally voters in Kelantan, where UMNO has traditionally struggled, signals that UMNO’s leadership is keenly aware of the shifting political winds and is making strategic moves to capitalise on the growing sentiment among Malays who want to see UMNO’s return.

What This Means for UMNO

UMNO’s win in Nenggiri goes beyond a mere by-election. It reflects a broader yearning among Malays for a leadership that not only upholds their values but also provides economic and political stability. The fact that this victory came in Kelantan, a state where UMNO has historically had a tough battle, is even more telling. It signifies that the party is beginning to regain trust among Malay voters, even in areas traditionally loyal to PAS.

This by-election is also the first since the 15th General Election where an incumbent party lost to a challenger, which makes it even more significant in assessing the broader political landscape. Malays, particularly in rural areas like Nenggiri, are showing signs of wanting a return to the tried-and-tested governance model that UMNO represents.

The Road Ahead

UMNO’s victory in Nenggiri is a sign of a shifting political mood, but it’s also a call for the party to reform itself to meet the expectations of today’s electorate. The results reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the alternatives provided by PAS and PN, and UMNO now has the opportunity to demonstrate that it can once again be the party that champions Malay rights, drives economic growth, and provides stable leadership.

As Malaysia’s political landscape continues to evolve, Nenggiri could be the first of many signals that the Malay electorate is ready for UMNO’s return. Whether this victory is a one-off event or the beginning of a larger comeback for UMNO will depend on how the party navigates the expectations of its voters in the coming months. But one thing is certain: the signs of a Malay desire for UMNO to come back are already taking shape, and the Nenggiri by-election is proof of that shift.