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KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 17): Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Saturday proposed the formation of a “grand collaboration”, envisioned as an informal umbrella coalition for Malay- and Muslim-based parties, but said the move is not aimed at destabilising the unity government.
Zahid, who is also a deputy prime minister, said the initiative is intended to consolidate cooperation among Malay-Muslim parties under a single, non-binding platform without requiring any party to dissolve or abandon its identity.
“We want this grand collaboration to truly unite the spirit and struggle of Malay-Muslim parties within a larger framework,” he said during his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly 2025.
Zahid said the proposal followed ongoing overtures from various parties seeking cooperation with Umno, though he stopped short of identifying the parties specifically.
“There are indeed parties who have been ‘courting’ us,” he said. “With this, that courtship is accepted formally — on the condition that it does not disrupt the unity government.”
He added that the purpose is to create a common platform “for Islam and for the Malays” by setting aside political differences.
Zahid also delivered a pointed assurance to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The most honourable prime minister, do not worry,” he said. “I have no agenda to ‘punch a hole in the roof’ (tebuk atap) or to threaten the unity government. This is purely to show Umno’s sincerity in fighting for the Malay and Islam agenda."
The proposal received overwhelming approval when Zahid asked delegates to rise in agreement, with the entire hall standing to signal support.
The call for a "grand collaboration" comes a day after Zahid revealed that Umno had been approached by multiple parties seeking its cooperation to form political alliances.
He said Umno would, however, remain committed to the unity government as long as the country’s foundational principles are upheld and mutual trust within the coalition is not betrayed.
Zahid said Umno had paid a “heavy price” for being in the unity government, facing accusations that its struggle for Malay and Islamic interests had been diluted.
He acknowledged dissatisfaction among members and Malay voters, but said decisions taken by the leadership were based on national interest rather than political survival.