World · Malaysia Bureau
Umno missed chance to appear more mature on TH issue, says Shahril
A former Umno communications chief has criticised the party for choosing to portray itself as a victim of selective prosecution rather than taking responsibility for issues surrounding Tabung Haji.
LSN Malaysia ·
Shahril Samad, a former head of Umno's information division, said the party squandered an opportunity to demonstrate political maturity by adopting a victim narrative instead of accountability regarding Tabung Haji matters.
The veteran party figure's remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of Umno's involvement in various issues connected to the Islamic pilgrimage fund. Shahril suggested that Umno could have taken a more straightforward approach by accepting responsibility where appropriate.
Instead, Shahril contended, the party opted to frame its position around claims of selective legal action against its members, a strategy he implied lacked the maturity expected of a major political organisation.
The criticism reflects internal discussions within Umno about how the party should respond to challenges affecting its reputation and standing among Malaysian voters. The Tabung Haji issue has remained a sensitive topic in Malaysian politics, with various stakeholders calling for transparency and accountability.
Shahril's comments underscore tensions within Umno regarding communications strategy and the party's approach to addressing controversies affecting its leadership and credibility.