KUALA LUMPUR: The severing of ties with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is a measure to boost Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's standing before his party members, say analysts.
Political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul said it was a move to illustrate Zahid's attentiveness to the grouses of the grassroots.
"Zahid wants to show that he listens to the grassroots because he is still interested in holding on to the position of Umno president."
However, he pointed out that the decision would cause further rift in the party's top leadership, citing leaders like Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who currently holds a cabinet position and is in favour of the Umno-Bersatu nexus.
"Zahid is seen as a leader with a flip-flop stance in making decisions, unlike (deputy president Datuk Seri) Mohamad Hassan who is seen as firm in his stance.
"But a majority in Umno want to sever ties with Bersatu. That is certain."
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Geostrategist Associate Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the stance reflected the voice of the majority of the members who had been clamouring for the party to reject DAP, PKR and Bersatu for any pre-general election cooperation.
"However, if we read the message carefully, Umno, in reiterating its stance, is open to the possibility (of such discussions) after the 15th General Election (GE15).
"The grassroots have to keep an open mind as it is difficult for them (Barisan Nasional) alone to form a government with a simple majority (in Parliament).
"After the general election, everything will be on the table, including horse-trading in this particular case. The grassroots must be prepared for this," said Azmi.
Ainul also pointed out Umno's reiteration that it remained "a force to be reckoned with" and its dissatisfaction in playing second fiddle to Bersatu.
"He (Zahid) also mentioned a political reset after GE15. In a way, Umno still wants the support of Pas to strengthen Muafakat Nasional.
"He said BN has previously agreed that Perikatan Nasional (PN) be the government but with the condition that the general election was held (in the first quarter of this year). It did not materialise.
"(Based on the circumstances), Umno is taking a gamble contesting alone in GE15 under BN's flag.
"In addition, Undi18, if implemented for GE15, will give a different scenario to the country's political landscape."