UMNO chief Zahid Hamidi calls for unity as party seeks to return to political dominance

0 January 16, 2026 09:49

Malaysia’s largest ethnic Malay party, UMNO, said it is ready to welcome back former members — in what many see as the party’s mission to return to political dominance. Speaking at its annual congress, UMNO chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said now is the time to present voters with a fresh narrative. Mr Zahid, who’s also Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s No 2, also stressed the need to stay united and support the unity government to maintain political stability until the next election slated within 22 months. Melissa Goh reports from Kuala Lumpur.