Ahmad Zahid spells out why Malay party unity keeps failing — and who’s to blame

Ahmad Zahid spells out why Malay party unity keeps failing — and who’s to blame



Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PAS counterpart Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (right) attend the launch of Muafakat Nasional Selangor in Shah Alam on November 23, 2019. — Picture by Miera Zulyana

Sunday, 12 Oct 2025 11:17 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reiterated that Umno is open to uniting Malay-based parties, but only with genuine intent.

He said efforts to strengthen Malay political unity must be guided by honesty, rather than opportunism or personal gain.

“We cooperate with all parties and we are willing to cooperate, as long as it is sincere for the sake of the country and the foundation is Islam and the Malays,” the Umno president told Mingguan Malaysia.

Zahid recalled how Umno had previously launched Muafakat Nasional to unite Malay parties but was let down by disloyal partners.


MN is a political cooperation established in 2019 between PAS and Umno to unite Malaysia's Malay-Muslim community and strengthen their political influence within the constitutional framework.

The alliance aimed to promote electoral success and political stability, though it eventually collapsed when PAS shifted its alignment to Perikatan Nasional, favouring Bersatu over Umno.

“This exploitation is carried out by the party concerned against all parties — how can unity among Malay parties be created if there is no sincerity and honesty?


“In fact, they want to betray their own allies, considering their friends to be crippled or weakened,” he said.

The Umno president pointed to the infighting within Perikatan Nasional now, saying this was because Bersatu’s partners no longer considered it dominant.

He said Umno remains willing to work with all parties, including those it once opposed, if the collaboration benefits the country and upholds Islam and Malay values.

Ahmad Zahid said this was demonstrated by his party’s partnership with former rival PKR, adding that this was made possible by sincerity of both sides.

Zahid also highlighted Umno’s relations with DAP, saying differences at the grassroots level do not reflect the party’s top leadership stance.

He said the unity government has proven its stability through recent by-elections despite criticism from younger party wings.

Zahid reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the current administration until the 16th general election, calling it a necessary period of consolidation.

He said Umno would continue contesting under its Barisan Nasional (BN) symbol while seeking smart alliances with friendly parties.