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BARISAN Nasional (BN) is leaning decisively towards contesting the next general election on its own, with its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stating that the coalition is “almost certain” to go solo, even as he stressed the need for flexibility and political understanding with other blocs.
“We have gone solo before,” he said in an exclusive interview held in conjunction with UMNO’s 80th anniversary celebration.
“We contested solo in GE15 (15th general election) and in the general election before that. In the coming election, I am almost certain we will go solo. But we should not dismiss the need for an understanding with other party coalitions.”
Zahid, who also serves as deputy prime minister, was responding to questions on whether Barisan Nasional and United Malays National Organisation had finalised their approach for the 16th general election, including whether to continue cooperation with Pakatan Harapan or pursue an independent course.
BN and Pakatan Harapan have worked together in state and by-elections following the formation of the unity government in 2022.
However, Zahid noted that multi-cornered contests involving BN, PH and Perikatan Nasional in GE15 had split votes to the advantage of Perikatan Nasional.
“We must avoid seat overlaps and three-cornered fights. That is the best approach,” he said.
“We will cross the bridge when we come to it.”
Despite the inclination towards going solo, Zahid indicated that BN would adopt a selective strategy rather than contesting all 222 parliamentary seats.
“I don’t think there is a need to do so. We will contest in seats where we believe our chances of winning are high.”
He cautioned against treating a solo approach as a rigid or emotional decision, warning that miscalculations could weaken the coalition.
“We must be crystal clear on this matter. We should not rush into going solo to the extent that we dismiss all possibilities, only to end up ‘lost at sea’ once again.”
Emphasising the evolving nature of political alignments, Zahid said BN must remain responsive to shifting dynamics and open to compatible partnerships.
“Political parties are dynamic and politics is even more dynamic. Many possibilities can arise, especially in choosing political partners who are more compatible with us.
“Because of this situation, UMNO must adapt to the prevailing political situation,” he said, when asked about potential cooperation, including with Perikatan Nasional, which has recently signalled openness to collaboration.
Nonetheless, Zahid underscored that any cooperation would be anchored in non-negotiable principles.
“During the formation of the government, these four principles were included as part of the 18-point agreement. These four key matters cannot be compromised.
“This is not about a Malay or Islamic agenda alone, but a national agenda as enshrined in our Constitution. And it has been accepted by parties outside BN.”
Separately, speaking at the UMNO 80th Anniversary Convention at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Zahid outlined a long-term ambition for UMNO to become a pillar of political stability over the next two decades, leading up to its centenary.
“After navigating a long journey from crisis to crisis, from shift to shift, we must look ahead and strengthen our steps.
“Not merely for five years, not merely for one election, but for the next twenty years, leading up to UMNO’s 100th anniversary. We must lay down clear foundations, interwoven with the lessons of history,” he said.
He added that UMNO should intensify its religious outreach to safeguard faith, uphold syariah and cultivate moral values among future generations.
“I also aspire for UMNO to become a ‘talent factory’ that produces scholars, experts across various fields and intellectuals equipped with mastery of future technologies.
“UMNO is also envisioned to unify the leadership thinking of the Malay community and to nurture a culture of knowledge and deep understanding to shape policies and build societal awareness,” he said.
Zahid stressed that the party’s mission extended beyond electoral victories to nurturing future generations grounded in identity and values.
“All of this is not merely about winning elections, but about producing heirs of the nation who are imbued with the spirit and soul of their Malay identity.
“This is because the success of a struggle is not measured solely by the strength of institutions, but by the quality of individuals shaped to build religion, nation and country.”
Reflecting on the future, he added: “By the time UMNO reaches its 100th anniversary, I may no longer be in this world, but I envision Malays whose Islamic spirit does not fade. Truly understanding the pillars of religion, inseparable from both body and soul.” - May 3, 2026