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UMNO Leader Calls for Unity Amid Coalition Contradictions

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, President of UMNO, acknowledged the contradictions of governing with the Democratic Action Party.
He urged unity within UMNO and extended an olive branch to the Malaysian Chinese Association and Malaysian Indian Congress.
Some leaders warned against allying with Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), fearing electoral losses.
The assembly ended with a call to back former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 Malaysian general election on May 9 marked a historic political shift as the Pakatan Harapan coalition, led by Mahathir Mohamad, ended Barisan Nasional's 61-year rule. This unprecedented victory, where Pakatan won 121 seats against Barisan's 79, highlighted deep divisions within UMNO, particularly as Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called for unity amid ongoing tensions with PAS, shaping Malaysia's evolving political landscape.

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Story summary

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, President of UMNO, acknowledged the contradictions of governing with the Democratic Action Party.
He urged unity within UMNO and extended an olive branch to the Malaysian Chinese Association and Malaysian Indian Congress.
Some leaders warned against allying with Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), fearing electoral losses.
The assembly ended with a call to back former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

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