00:00Analysts say Bersatu's internal turmoil could drive both its leaders and grassroots members back to UMNO, which appears ready and willing to accept their return.
00:11Azmi Hassan of Academy Nusantara said Bersatu grassroots view the party as a sinking ship due to its path with its Perikatan National Ally past in the wake of the perilous political crisis.
00:23He said UMNO was a natural choice for those wanting to quit Bersatu since the Muhyiddin Yassin-led party began as an UMNO splinter.
00:32Awang Azman Awang Pawi of University Malaya shared a similar view, saying the general disillusionment experienced by Bersatu members may see them jump ship.
00:42He said the return of former UMNO leaders would strengthen the party's leadership by drawing on their political experience and networks.
00:50Commenting on the establishment of a committee to review and approve the return of former UMNO members, Awang Azman said the mechanism could pave the way for many ex-members to rejoin the party in the medium term.
01:03Azmi noted that the success of the panel announced by party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the UMNO General Assembly would hinge on its autonomy to make final decisions on the admissions.
01:16Kanyu Jung, FMT.
