Umno's Zahid against party 'going solo' at next polls

It will likely be able to govern country only by sharing power with other parties, he says

- Azril Annuar and Lu Wei Hoong

Umno, Malaysia's oldest political party that used to predominate politics, will likely be able to govern the country after the next polls only by sharing power with other coalitions and parties, its president said on Aug 23.

The hope that Umno would "go solo" for the next general election is not the best step forward under current political conditions, where it has to remake its image, Umno president Zahid Hamidi told party delegates at its annual general assembly, held from Aug 21 to 24.

Umno leads the four-party Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance that was defeated in the last two general elections in 2018 and 2022.

"If previously we took the 'go solo' approach, is it the best step to take under current political conditions? Based on data and sentiment now, what advantages do we have?

"And with the addition of new voters, can we control their perceptions (of us)?" Datuk Seri Zahid said in a speech in front of 6,433 delegates at party headquarters.

Whispers that Umno should contest seats on its own, or under the umbrella of BN, have gained traction among a section of the party following its strong victory in Nenggiri ward in a Kelantan byelection last weekend.

"If we look at the current situation, all parties and coalitions only have around 30 to 40 seats in Parliament. This is a reflection that Malaysia's democracy is maturing because no single party or coalition can control the simple majority and form a government."