Malay unity could help PAS and UMNO win 120 seats, says Zaid Ibrahim

Cooperation between PAS and UMNO could deliver at least 120 parliamentary seats at Malaysia’s next general election, former minister Zaid Ibrahim said.

In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Zaid described the partnership as central to restoring Malay political strength and reinforcing the country’s administration. He argued that disputes over political interests and constituency contests should not take priority over the broader goal of Malay and Muslim unity.

Zaid, who is now a PAS member, said the two parties could reach the target if cooperation through a Perikatan Nasional-Barisan Nasional alliance remains intact ahead of the 16th general election. He portrayed Malay political weakness as a longstanding problem, pointing to internal disputes over religious interpretation, corruption and failures in governance.

He also cited historical examples, including Kedah’s unsuccessful claim over Penang during the independence period, the arrangements surrounding the creation of Malaysia, the special position of Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and Singapore’s separation. In his view, these episodes reflected a lack of political strength and awareness among Malays.

Zaid said the loss of a two-thirds majority in 2018 exposed further weaknesses. He said Malays were accused of racism when they called for unity, while criticism also focused on corruption, administrative shortcomings and the failure to appoint an auditor-general. The interview frames PAS-UMNO cooperation as both an electoral strategy and a response to those weaknesses.

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I feel that if we reject PAS, the largest Malay party, it means we reject Malay unity, which is the strength of the Malays.