Why are some Umno grassroots members hesitant about the PH alliance?

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Umno Grassroots Remain Wary of Pakatan Harapan Alliance Due to Historical Vilification and Unsettled Perceptions

A significant portion of Umno's grassroots members, estimated to be around one-third, still harbour scepticism regarding the party's alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the unity government. This hesitation stems from decades of portraying DAP, a key component of PH, as an antagonist, making it challenging to quickly dismantle such deeply ingrained negative perceptions. Even though Umno leaders have acknowledged that Anwar Ibrahim's PH provided a crucial lifeline following the party's disappointing performance in the 15th general election (GE15), acceptance among the rank-and-file remains uneven.
Lingering Effects of Historical Vilification

The deep-seated mistrust towards DAP, a component party within PH, has been cultivated over many years. Political science assistant professor Syaza Syukri noted that after decades of branding DAP as a "bogeyman," it is unrealistic to expect these negative perceptions to disappear within a few months. This sustained vilification has created a significant barrier to acceptance, with many Umno members finding it difficult to reconcile their past views with the current political reality of an alliance.
Shock and Unease Following the Alliance

For some Umno members, the prospect of aligning with PH leaders has been a source of shock. Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, observed that some members are still adjusting to the sight of PH leaders on their "turf," citing a meeting at the Seri Pacific Hotel in November as an example. This sentiment indicates that the integration of the two political entities is not yet fully embraced at the grassroots level, even as their leaders occupy prominent government positions.
Patchy Acceptance Despite Leadership Endorsement

Despite Umno's leadership acknowledging the necessity of the alliance with PH as a lifeline after the GE15 results, acceptance among the party's membership is far from universal. Syaza Syukri highlighted that while the top leadership certainly views DAP as an ally and understands the electoral support provided, this sentiment does not necessarily translate to the broader membership. This disparity means that even with Umno's deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, offering praise for DAP, grassroots members continue to exhibit hesitation.
Stigmatisation of the Alliance and Key Figures

The negative stigmatisation of DAP by Umno members extends to the very act of cooperating with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Azmi Hassan pointed out that Umno members are not merely reluctant to work with DAP but are also uncomfortable with being part of a unity government that includes them, even under Anwar's leadership. This suggests that the stigma associated with DAP has permeated perceptions of the broader alliance, making full acceptance a complex and ongoing process.

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Why are some Umno grassroots members hesitant about the PH alliance?

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