UMNO directs state leaders to discuss political cooperation for upcoming elections

UMNO, a key party in Malaysia's political landscape, has issued a directive for its state leadership to explore potential political alliances for the upcoming elections. This move, announced by UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, stems from empirical research suggesting a public desire, particularly among Malays, for greater unity.

The party leadership views the "Malay identity" as a cornerstone for national political stability. "UMNO takes note of various empirical studies conducted by various agencies and academics, which point to public sentiment, especially among Malays, that the unity of the ummah should be realized and the Malay identity is the core of national political stability," Asyraf Wajdi stated.

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UMNO takes note of various empirical studies conducted by various agencies and academics, which point to public sentiment, especially among Malays, that the unity of the ummah should be realized and the Malay identity is the core of national political stability.

He emphasized that any cooperation must be built on sincerity and trust, free from coercion or threats. "Any negotiations with any party to establish cooperation in the upcoming elections must be based on sincerity and trust, not threats or intimidation," he added.

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Any negotiations with any party to establish cooperation in the upcoming elections must be based on sincerity and trust, not threats or intimidation.

In a related gesture of inter-party relations, UMNO has also formally invited the top leadership of PAS to attend its 2026 General Assembly. This invitation is seen as a reciprocal gesture, following a similar invitation extended by PAS to UMNO for its annual Muktamar.

Furthermore, UMNO reiterated its commitment to the principle of the rule of law, asserting that no one is considered guilty until proven so by a competent court. The party stated that actions intended to shame or discredit individuals, or to create a perception of guilt for those merely detained for investigation, contradict the principles of justice, the presumption of innocence, and the spirit of the rule of law.

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UMNO reiterates that the principle of the rule of law must always be respected and upheld, and that no one should be considered guilty until charged, tried, and convicted by a competent court.