3 things I learnt from #UMNO2015

It’s been an interesting five days covering the 2015 UMNO general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

The whole affair went fairly well, considering all the trepidation surrounding the fallout between the party’s two top leaders.

But if you ask me, 'fairly well' just doesn’t cut it for a party which forms the core of the executive apparatus that runs this country.

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1. Too much flag-waving, not enough substance

The grievances raised by delegates far outnumbered any workable solutions presented.

But then again, the general assembly of any political party isn’t really supposed to be about serious debate or genuine introspection, right?

And if you don’t find that cynical enough, let me tell you that I personally found the show of support for the President this time around, a bit over the top.

All the apple-polishing theatrics were rather nauseating, particularly because it side-lined real issues which affect the rakyat, like the rising cost of living.

Now, it would be unfair to say that these issues were not touched upon entirely.

But I dare say that more than half of the delegates merely paid lip service to them.

What is the point of just talking about these issues if you end up never really contributing towards the process of coming up with a solution?

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2. Drama lovers, and the media, got their money’s worth

A dark cloud loomed over the run-up to the assembly, with all the attention focused on the rift between party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Even the arrival of the party's Number Two was a bit of an occasion in itself.

But make no mistake; this assembly was fully centered on Najib, from the very first word in his opening speech, all the way to the closing on Saturday.

Other than a couple of measures announced by the President in his winding up speech (which I did find uplifting), the spotlight was always on Najib's position, and how much support he had from his party.

I do commend his gentlemanly gesture at the end of the closing speech, when he shook Muhyiddin's hand.

Many delegates believe that ending this rift is critical, to ensure the party remains united as it navigates through these troubled times.

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MUST READ: Not all in UMNO are the President's men

MUST READ: Has Tun Mahathir finally met his match?

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3. Najib came out on top

I have no doubts in my mind now about Najib's position in UMNO.

With the Supreme Council fully behind him, Najib also has the whole-hearted support of division chiefs, and a significant majority of the delegates.

Factor in the 'hand-shaking' finale, Najib has managed to rally solid support from within UMNO.

He has emerged stronger.

But can we say the same for UMNO?

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Hafiz Marzukhi is always open to meeting politicians, UMNO or otherwise, in his quest to better understand the country's political dynamics. One and all are welcome to reach him at hafiz_marzukhi@astro.com.my

The opinions and views expressed in this article are personally those of the author's, and do not necessarily reflect those of Astro AWANI.