KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 16): Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Umno was being courted by various parties but committed to staying in the unity government after paying a ‘heavy price’ for being a part of it.
He said in his policy address at the Umno General Assembly 2025 that there were parties actively courting Umno to cooperate with them and leave the unity government, but Umno would continue to honour its commitments for the unity government as long as the foundations of the country are respected and mutual trust is not betrayed. He warned that repeated attacks on the party and its leaders risk testing that resolve.
"But if anyone seeks to belittle this loyalty — if our patience is mistaken for weakness, if scorn and mockery are hurled at the Umno family — then such actions are akin to pouring oil on a raging fire,” he said to a roaring crowd.
Zahid said Umno had paid a “heavy price” for being part of the unity government, facing insults, attacks and accusations that it had diluted its struggle for Malay and Islamic interests merely to cling to power.
He acknowledged growing discontent among Umno members and Malay voters over the party’s role in the unity government, but said decisions taken by the leadership were guided by national interest and broader considerations of public welfare rather than personal survival.
Zahid stressed that Umno’s stance against proposals such as the Urban Renewal Act, local government elections and the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate showed the party had not compromised its foundational principles while in government.
He warned, however, that Umno is not a “decorative” or expendable component of any coalition, but a pillar of national stability that expects loyalty to be met with respect.
The Umno president also said Malaysia’s current political reality meant no single party could govern alone, requiring compromise and cross-coalition cooperation without abandoning core principles, as the country heads towards the 16th general election.