Down but not Out (Yet): Evaluating the Transition of UMNO's Political Dominance in Malaysia

ABSTRACT This article explores United Malays National Organization's (UMNO) status as a dominant party in Malaysia after its setback in the 2018 and 2022 general elections. In the author's evaluation of the dominant party theory, assertions of UMNO's demise may be a little premature. The fact that UMNO returned as an influential member of the government coalition within 20 months after the 2018 general elections and remains part of the unity government after the 2022 general elections very much demonstrates the party's influence for the time being. While UMNO's electoral dominance might have ended, the party retains influence through its doctrines and symbolic allegiance and remains in the government coalition by having a strong bargaining position. UMNO's influence in the current unity government's public policy initiatives has also remained. It would take a few more election cycles to have a conclusive view of UMNO's dominant position, but for now, the party remains a significant actor.