UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that meetings have taken place with leaders from PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) regarding the unification of the Malay community through a so‑called “grand collaboration”.
According to Ahmad Zahid, these discussions, described as indirect engagements, also involved several other Malay‑based political parties.
Datuk seri dr ahmad zahid hamidi
“As the largest Malay‑Islam political party, UMNO has taken a step forward by inviting other parties to proactively and strategically combine their strengths and ideas with us to hold discussions or deliberations.”
“This is because suggestions have been made, but so far there has been no concrete proposal for any conference or annual general assembly involving political parties,” he said.
He made the remarks during a press conference after the conclusion of the UMNO General Assembly (PAU) 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (18 January).
Earlier, while delivering the party president’s policy speech, Ahmad Zahid announced UMNO’s intention to unite all Malay and Islamic political parties under a single coalition known as the “grand collaboration”.
Muhyiddin says BERSATU will consider proposal
Meanwhile, BERSATU has taken an open stance in reviewing the proposal for a “grand cooperation” involving Malay and Islamic political parties.
Its president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said the party would consider the proposal put forward by the UMNO president once clearer details are provided.
Tan sri muhyiddin yassin
However, the Pagoh Member of Parliament stressed that any cross-party discussions involving any form of cooperation between BERSATU and UMNO must be conducted through official party channels and attended by the top leadership of both parties.
Commenting further, Muhyiddin clarified that BERSATU had never officially mandated any party leaders to negotiate with UMNO.
“Ahmad Zahid’s speech at the UMNO General Assembly (PAU), which mentioned discussions having taken place with BERSATU leaders to pursue Malay unity, raises questions about BERSATU’s position on the matter,” he said.
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