Umno continues to uphold principles and commitment in govt formation, political cooperation, says Ahmad Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has called on Barisan Nasional (BN) component partners MIC and MCA to move past hurt feelings and refocus on strengthening the coalition.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the friendship forged over more than five decades should not be set aside over momentary disagreements.
Like siblings in any family, he said, quarrels are inevitable, but they should never outweigh the bond that ultimately draws everyone back together.
He also called on MIC and MCA to remain in BN and not leave the coalition to join other alliances.
“Do not take any rash steps. Let us reconcile. It is natural to feel hurt for a while, but do not let it linger,” he said.
“We have done all we can to persuade. Come back, sit with us in this big house. Let us move forward together. We are Malaysians, we are friends in BN,” he said in his president’s policy speech at the 2025 Umno General Assembly here.
Also present yesterday were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
However, he acknowledged that Umno’s participation in the unity government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) has created tensions within BN.
“Our participation in the unity government, though driven by national interest, has strained the close relationships among BN’s component parties. However, thank God, the way forward is now clear,” he said.
Later, Wee reaffirmed that the party remains with BN as one of the founding members of the coalition.
“As far as MCA is concerned, we are a founding party of BN. So the founding party is still there,” he told reporters.
Previously, MCA had stated its readiness to reassess its strategic position within BN should Umno cooperate specifically with DAP in the 16th general election (GE16).
On Ahmad Zahid’s speech, Wee said efforts to strengthen the party should be viewed as a process of rebuilding public confidence and support.
He said the party would work hard to win back public support ahead of GE16.
Ahmad Zahid also reiterated that the party remains committed to supporting Malaysia’s Unity government, despite revealing that it has received offers of political cooperation from other parties.
The deputy prime minister said Umno continues to uphold its principles and commitment in government formation and political cooperation to ensure national stability.
“There have indeed been offers, feelers and attempts to court us. But to this day, Umno has remained faithful to its national mandate and continues to support the Unity government.
“As long as the foundations of the nation are respected, nothing is betrayed.
“Sincerity is not compromised and Umno will continue to play its role responsibly.”
He acknowledged internal pressure for Umno to leave the government but noted that the leadership’s decision is guided by national interests and the greater good.
On Jan 5, Ahmad Zahid said Umno and BN would remain in the Unity government with PH until the end of the current term, despite calls from the party’s Youth wing for the coalition to withdraw.
