Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed meetings with leaders from PAS and Bersatu to discuss forming a grand coalition aimed at uniting the Malays.
The informal discussions also included representatives from several other Malay parties.
Talks Involve Top Leaders
“As the largest Malay-Muslim political party, Umno is inviting others to proactively combine resources for strategic discussions,” Zahid said at a press conference after yesterday’s Umno general assembly, according to Sinar Harian.
He noted the coalition would bring together at least 10 top leaders from various Malay-Muslim parties, including presidents, deputy presidents, and other senior figures.
No Threat to Unity Government
During his winding-up speech at the assembly, Zahid voiced his desire for a new grand coalition to unite all Malay-Muslim parties under one umbrella.
He assured Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that the initiative would not threaten the unity government and carried no intent to form a backdoor administration.
Zahid envisioned the coalition truly uniting the spirit and struggles of these parties in a broader framework, positioning them as informal allies under one roof.
Conditions and Rejections
Parties joining the alliance must agree not to disrupt the unity government, he added.
Zahid also rejected ideas to revive Muafakat Nasional, noting its name is already registered as a non-governmental organisation.
