United Malays National Organisation Party

The Malaysian United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is a prominent political party in Malaysia, known for its pivotal role in the country's political landscape since its inception in 1946. UMNO was established primarily to champion the rights and…   interests of the Malay population, which is the majority ethnic group in Malaysia. Over the years, it has evolved but continues to be deeply rooted in the Malay nationalist ideology, emphasizing the importance of Islam as the state religion, the special position of Malays and the indigenous peoples of Malaysia (collectively known as Bumiputera), and the Malay language.<br /><br />UMNO's values and political agenda are centered around the preservation and promotion of Malay cultural heritage, economic dominance, and political power within a multi-ethnic Malaysia. The party advocates for policies that ensure the socio-economic development of the Malay and Bumiputera communities, often through affirmative action programs that provide these groups with privileges in education, government employment, and business. This approach stems from the belief in the need to uplift the indigenous population to achieve parity with other ethnic groups in Malaysia, particularly the Chinese and Indian communities, in terms of economic and educational opportunities.<br /><br />The party also places a strong emphasis on national unity and stability, often framing its policies and rhetoric around the need to maintain harmony among Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups. However, critics argue that UMNO's approach to affirmative action and its emphasis on Malay-Islamic identity can exacerbate racial and religious divides in the country.<br /><br />UMNO has been a dominant force in Malaysian politics, leading the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, which governed Malaysia for over six decades until the 2018 general elections. Despite facing challenges, including corruption scandals and increasing calls for political reform, UMNO remains a significant political entity, adapting its strategies and policies to address contemporary issues while still holding onto its core values of Malay nationalism and the primacy of Islam in Malaysian society.Read more