Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says any alliances under the “big tent” concept must consider the party’s interests and long-term survival, particularly with rivals.
He notes that working with other parties, especially past partners, proves far more challenging than it appears.
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
“It is a case of once bitten, twice shy,” Zahid told FMT. His remarks respond to recent calls from Umno Youth for renewed cooperation with PAS.
PAS and Umno formed Muafakat Nasional in 2019, an electoral pact to consolidate Malay-Muslim support.
The alliance collapsed when PAS joined Bersatu to create Perikatan Nasional. PAS pushed to include Bersatu in Muafakat Nasional, but Umno rejected the proposal.
Calls for Malay Solidarity
On January 3, Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh urged unity among Malays. He called on Umno and PAS, the largest Malay parties, to lead efforts in building solidarity.
Akmal’s push followed PAS election director Sanusi Nor’s suggestion to revive Muafakat Nasional as a unity platform before the next general election.
Lessons from Failed Pacts
Zahid doubts the feasibility of a “big tent” for Malay parties. He points out that the previous one “fell apart under the weight of political greed,” referring to Muafakat Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.
“And who was responsible for this ‘big tent’? The same person who divided the Malays by establishing other parties because he was no longer in Umno,” Zahid said. His comment appears to target former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Mahathir helped form Bersatu and Pejuang. Before the 2022 general election, he also launched the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition, which included Pejuang.
“Some former Umno leaders want to act like they are unifiers, even though they’ve never had a firm stance in politics,” Zahid added.
In June 2025, Mahathir invited Umno members to join his “Malay secretariat committee.” He aimed to unite Malays and restore their power in government.
Umno’s Distinct Approach
Zahid described the coalition, which involved PAS and Bersatu, as not a formal party yet but a broad umbrella to protect Malays’ political and economic future.
When asked what differentiates Umno from PAS and Bersatu, Zahid highlighted his party’s unique politics.
“They like to pit one against another. Umno isn’t like that. We unite the people on the basis of working together.”
“We move together, without prejudice,” he added.
