KUALA LUMPUR, January 6, 2026 – Prominent Malay activist and former political candidate Bibi Sunita Sakandar Khan today issued a blistering statement declaring the “death of a legacy” for the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), accusing the party of abandoning its role as defender of Malay interests and becoming a burden on the community’s dignity.
In a lengthy social media post dated January 6, Khan wrote: “Hari ini, kami menyaksikan KEMATIAN SEBUAH LEGASI” (Today, we witness the death of a legacy). She claimed UMNO, once revered as the “final fortress” of Malay struggle, has become “hampa dan kosong” (empty and hollow), no longer serving as a pillar or voice for Malay aspirations.
Khan blamed UMNO’s leadership for allying with parties that “memusuh prinsip kita” (oppose our principles), prioritising ministerial posts and power over Malay dignity, and silencing grassroots voices in the name of stability within the unity government. She accused the party of becoming a tool for a government influenced by DAP’s secularism, led by a Prime Minister with “weak performance” who signs agreements compromising sovereignty, and overly deferential to foreign powers.
“The final coffin will be nailed in PRU16,” Khan predicted, referring to the next general election, adding that UMNO has chosen to “die as decoration” in the unity government rather than rise as protector of religion and race.
She urged Malays to seek a “wadah baru” (new platform) that is authentic and uncompromising, while inviting UMNO members still committed to Malay-Islamic unity to join a broader struggle.
Khan previously contested the Setiawangsa parliamentary seat in GE15 under Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, securing about 1% of votes.
Her statement emerges against a backdrop of internal unrest in UMNO, particularly after a recent UMNO Youth special convention where debates surfaced over withdrawing support from Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government and potential cooperation with opposition Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS).
UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has been outspoken, warning of “red lines” crossed and pushing for Malay unity under UMNO and PAS leadership.
However, UMNO president Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today reiterated the party’s commitment to staying in the unity government until the term ends, rejecting immediate ties with PAS and emphasising avoidance of past mistakes.
The unity government, formed after the 2022 hung parliament, includes UMNO alongside Pakatan Harapan components like DAP – a partnership long criticised by Malay nationalists.
Analysts suggest vocal criticisms like Khan’s and Akmal’s could undermine UMNO’s electoral edge in mixed seats, where non-Malay vote transfers have benefited the party.
Khan’s post has amplified ongoing debates about UMNO’s future direction in Malaysian politics.
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