Latest news with #Barisan Nasional
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Umno's future in unity govt hinges on power consensus, says Puad
Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said Umno's strategic move to join the unity government had given the party time to rejuvenate itself. PETALING JAYA : Umno's future role with the unity government is likely to hinge on negotiations to achieve a consensus on policy decisions and on the powers of the prime minister, says Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi. In a posting in response to an analyst's claim that Umno would need 10 years to rise again, he said Umno's rise meant a return to political dominance and holding the prime minister's post. Puad said he had predicted it would take Umno 20 years to achieve that aim from the time Barisan Nasional (BN) lost power in 2018. 'Seven years have passed, leaving 12 years, two more than the 10 suggested by analyst Awang Azman Pawi,' he said. He said Umno had wisely made a strategic decision to be part of the unity government, formed in 2022. 'Being in the unity government has given Umno room to breathe and rise again,' he added. In the remaining time of the 12-year timeframe, Umno must legitimise its participation in the unity government, as many grassroots members remained wary of the alliance with former political rivals, he said. 'Umno must dominate the national narrative and strengthen its wings. Umno's ministers must be seen to perform,' he said. Looking ahead, he said a decision on whether to continue with the unity government would depend on expanded political cooperation in achieving policy consensus and negotiations on the powers of the prime minister. He did not elaborate. However, Umno leaders have in the past sought a greater say in the decisions of the unity government. Yesterday, FMT reported Awang Azman as saying that the Umno-led BN would need 10 more years to recover its grassroots support before the coalition is capable of going solo in general elections. 'In the long term, Umno will want to be the main player in alliances instead of just supplementing other parties,' he said, adding that dominance was almost a part of Umno's identity. Puad said in response that Umno would contest the general election under the BN logo but continue to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan to ensure no overlap of seats.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Umno must act on principle even if unpopular, says Zahid
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called for party members to take BN's failure to form the government in the past two general elections as a lesson and turning point to rebuild the party's strength. (Bernama pic) RAUB : Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that in today's challenging political landscape, decisions made by the party are aimed at ensuring the country's stability and future, even if those decisions are unpopular. Explaining the matter when officiating the Raub Umno division delegates' meeting, he emphasised that in any struggle, not all decisions taken will be comfortable, but they must be principled. 'No matter how high our position is in the party or government, we must realise that every post is a trust that must be carried out with full responsibility,' he said. Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and deputy prime minister, said what Umno needs most right now is unity of purpose and a strong fighting spirit, without faltering when tested. He also reminded party members to take Umno and BN's failure to form the government in the past two general elections as a lesson and turning point to rebuild the party's strength. 'We have been tested twice in the general elections… enough of the divisions, quarrels, shooting at each other, and hidden saboteurs within. 'Let us learn from past weaknesses and fix Umno and BN from within. Hopefully, we can be dominant once again,' he said. At a press conference later, Zahid said Umno would look into whether any of its members had participated in the rally held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 'Umno is now part of the unity government, and we must strengthen, not undermine, the government that is in place,' he said.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid: Umno must make tough calls for nation's stability, even if unpopular
RAUB, July 27 — UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that in today's challenging political landscape, decisions made by the party are aimed at ensuring the country's stability and future, even if those decisions are unpopular. Explaining the matter when officiating the Raub UMNO Division Delegates' Meeting, he emphasised that in any struggle, not all decisions taken will be comfortable — but they must be principled. 'No matter how high our position is in the party or government, we must realise that every post is a trust that must be carried out with full responsibility,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, said what UMNO needs most right now is unity of purpose and strong fighting spirit, without faltering when tested. He also reminded party members to take UMNO and BN's failure to form the government in the past two general elections (GE) as a lesson and turning point to rebuild the party's strength. 'We have been tested twice in the general elections… enough of the divisions, quarrels, shooting at each other, and hidden saboteurs within. Let us learn from past weaknesses and fix UMNO and Barisan Nasional from within… hopefully, we can be dominant once again,' he said. At press conference afterwards, Ahmad Zahid said UMNO would look into whether any of its members had participated in the rally held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 'UMNO is now part of the MADANI Government, and we must strengthen, not undermine, the government that is in place,' he said. — Bernama
