KUALA LUMPUR, January 17 – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has cautioned that forming alliances with other political parties is far more complicated than it appears, stressing that Umno’s interests and long-term survival must come first.
Speaking amid renewed calls for Malay political unity, Zahid said past experiences had made the party wary of rekindling ties with former allies, particularly PAS, noting that previous efforts such as Muafakat Nasional collapsed due to political greed and conflicting ambitions.
Zahid questioned the practicality of a “big tent” for Malay parties, arguing that earlier attempts failed and instead fractured Malay unity. He also took veiled aim at former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying some leaders who now claim to champion unity were responsible for dividing the Malays by forming new parties after leaving Umno.
Zahid emphasised that Umno practises a different political approach, focused on cooperation rather than pitting groups against one another. Political analysts say Zahid’s remarks signal that Umno is keeping its options open ahead of the 16th general election, but that remaining with the unity government alongside Pakatan Harapan is currently the most practical path.
They note that overlapping constituencies make cooperation with Bersatu difficult, while Umno’s continued participation in government strengthens its bargaining position, with Zahid firmly warning external parties not to provoke Umno into abandoning the administration for short-term political gain.
