KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Umno delegates arrived for the first day of the party’s annual assembly today in an upbeat mood following its back-to-back victories in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, with Melaka now emerging as the next electoral target.
The mood at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur was markedly positive, with delegates turning up in large numbers for briefings ahead of the official opening of the 2026 Umno General Assembly.
BN won 48 of the 56 seats in Johor, including 36 for Umno, while in Negri Sembilan the coalition secured 18 of the 36 seats, with Umno winning all 16 seats it contested.
Umno Youth Damansara committee member Muhammad Najeeh Norazam, 33, said the two state election victories had given delegates a morale boost and changed the atmosphere within the party.
“I think the delegates’ morale is a bit more energised because of the back-to-back wins in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
“Personally, I think the delegates are now waiting to see what decision will be made and which direction we are going to take for the elections,” he told Malay Mail.
Najeeh said the change in mood was evident compared with earlier this year, with more delegates now turning up for the assembly following the two victories.
“So I think it is a positive mood for now. We won, and then we are hoping for Melaka,” he said.
Umno Ampang division information chief Mohamad Anas Mohamad Naem, 33, also said the strong turnout reflected the renewed enthusiasm among delegates.
“As we can see today, the reception has been very lively. We saw that every level of the hall during the briefing was full, with no empty seats,” he said after attending the closed-door president’s briefing.
Anas said Umno was now prepared for its next electoral challenge after overcoming what he described as considerable political pressure against the party.
“Although we know that the current political situation makes it seem as though Umno is under tremendous pressure, with various sentiments and narratives being directed at Umno, after the victories in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, and next in Melaka, God willing, Umno is now ready.
“We are on the right track and prepared, waiting for instructions from the top leadership,” he said.
The renewed confidence comes as Umno prepares to discuss its direction ahead of the next general election, with delegates expected to look beyond its recent state election victories and towards the challenges ahead.
For Najeeh, the immediate focus is clear: building on the momentum from Johor and Negeri Sembilan and carrying it into the next electoral contest.
For Junaidi Ifdam Jun, 32, from the Batu Sapi, Sabah division, he said that he can’t wait to experience the four-day assembly as it is his first time attending it.
The assembly runs from today to Saturday.
