Zahid hints Umno may not go solo in GE16

UMNO AGM | Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hinted that the party may not go solo in the next general election.

He said the support of Umno members alone would not suffice to guarantee a victory for the party, as the deciding factor lies in a larger pool of voters outside the party.

“If previously we took the moving solo approach, (we have to see whether) it is the right step to take in the current political scenario.

“Based on current data and sentiments, what advantage do we have? With the increase of new voters, can we control their perception?

“Umno members alone cannot ensure us a win. The determining factor is the voter base out there, which is much larger in number,” the deputy prime minister said in his policy speech at the Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, today.

Elaborating, Zahid said Umno must get out of its “echo chamber” and comfort zone to face ideas and perspectives relevant to the political situation, which is getting more complicated.

Forms of cooperation

The Bagan Datuk MP reminded the delegates that the party is no longer dominant like it used to be.

Thus, he stressed that the party must carefully gauge the form of collaboration formed with other parties.

“When we cooperate, what kind of collaboration is it going to be? Is it a collaboration before an election, or after?

“All of this requires careful planning. We (Umno) will not sacrifice the interests of the people or the country, (in performing) whatever political tactics or steps,” said Zahid.

Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said there is a possibility of Umno contesting solo in the 16th general election.

Last month, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said the party might not necessarily cooperate with other coalitions when contesting in GE16.

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