Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Friday called for the 16th general election (GE16) to be “expedited”, saying the party wants to lead the federal government with a fresh mandate rather than remain merely a component of it.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, made the call as Umno draws confidence from Barisan Nasional’s recent performances in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls.
“The time has come for the general election to be held now. This is not a demand. This is not a hope. This is what the people want.
“Enough is enough, give us a chance too,” Zahid said in his presidential address at the Umno general assembly 2026.
Zahid then cited the Malay proverb, “Alang-alang seluk pekasam, biar sampai ke pangkal lengan”, which broadly means that once a task has been undertaken, it should be seen through.
“Since we are already in this fight, we fight until…” he said, prompting thousands of delegates gathered at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, to roar, “Menang!” (Victory!)
Umno seeks mandate to lead
Zahid’s call comes amid strained relations between Umno and its unity government partner, Pakatan Harapan, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
However, Zahid had previously said that Umno would support the government until the end of its term.
He said GE16 would be a decisive election for Umno after spending the current term in the Anwar-led government.
“The blue wave is not merely about making Umno a component in the government,” he said.
“GE16 will be the defining point for us to regain the mandate to lead. We must embrace our other friends so that we can chart victory together.
“Therefore, the time has come for GE16 to be expedited.”
Zahid warns against complacency
Zahid cautioned that Barisan Nasional’s victories in Johor and Negeri Sembilan did not guarantee success at the national level.
He urged delegates and the party machinery to continue working towards returning Umno to Putrajaya.
“Leadership is in Umno’s DNA, but victory does not simply fall onto our laps,” he said.
“It must be backed by strategies and arrangements that understand the realities on the ground.”
