
Umno eyes all Pas, Bersatu seats in the next general election
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he is confident that the party could win back these seats if given the opportunity to contest them, subsequently strengthening its overall position in the country's political landscape.
As part of efforts to prepare for the election, the deputy prime minister, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said Umno would conduct surveys and research in those constituencies to better understand voter sentiment and on-the-ground dynamics before identifying suitable candidates.
"If we were to work with Pas and Bersatu, and we only have 26 seats, which seats would they be willing to offer us to field our candidates?
"The answer is certainly none.
"Insya-Allah, the seats currently held by Bersatu and Pas in certain areas will be reviewed and studied, and those are the ones Umno candidates will reclaim in the next general election," he said when opening the Sri Gading Umno division delegates' meeting today.
Present were Johor Umno liaison committee chairman and Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Sri Gading Umno division chief Datuk Lassim Burhan.
Zahid acknowledged that the current political landscape is different, with Umno now relying on its partnership with Pakatan Harapan (PH) to remain competitive in elections.
He noted that Umno currently holds only 26 parliamentary seats, while the rest under the BN banner come from other component parties.
Going solo against Pas and Bersatu, he warned, would put the party at a disadvantage.
"This is why political cooperation is essential.
"At the same time, we must not be swayed by the 'UMDAP' narrative pushed by certain quarters," he said, referring to the derogatory label aimed at discrediting Umno's cooperation with DAP.
"There's no such thing as UMDAP. Our collaboration is between BN and PH. Within BN, we have MCA and MIC, and PH comprises Amanah, DAP and PKR.
"This is a BN–PH partnership, not an Umno–DAP one. Do not fall into the opposition's trap. They are attempting to fracture our alliance so they can return to power through the backdoor," he said.

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