UMNO’s collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) under the current Unity Government should not be mistaken for a merger, but rather a strategic alliance aimed at ensuring national stability, Deputy UMNO President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has clarified.
Speaking at the UMNO Ledang Division meeting in Dewan Putra Padang Lerek on Sunday, Mohamad, who is also the Foreign Minister, stressed that the party remains committed to its traditional Barisan Nasional (BN) partners — MCA, MIC, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
“We must not be easily swayed by individuals talking about ‘UMDAP’,” he said, referring to critics who allege a merger between UMNO and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) within PH.
Mohamad explained that the decision to join the Unity Government was made in the aftermath of the 15th General Election (GE15), which resulted in a hung parliament.
“PH secured 82 seats, while PN (Perikatan Nasional) won 73. Both wanted to form the government. Quietly, they tried to poach 10 of our MPs,” he revealed.
“At the time, the ringgit was falling, and investors were losing confidence. When the idea of a Unity Government was proposed, we convened a meeting. Out of 56 UMNO Supreme Council members, 54 agreed and two abstained. We agreed to form a government together with PH.”
Mohamad also reminded party members of the lessons from GE14, when UMNO suffered heavy losses and lost its stronghold in government.
“We won two-thirds in the Johor and Melaka state elections. But during the general election, the results did not meet expectations. Therefore, we must learn from that experience,” he said. - June 29, 2025
