UMNO has stressed that its participation in the Unity Government is driven by national necessity rather than political expediency, while making clear that cooperation with any allies, now or in the future, must not cross what it defines as three inviolable “red lines”.
UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the party’s willingness to work with others was never a licence for any side to soften or undermine UMNO’s original principles.
“The red lines are the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputera; the sanctity of Islam; and the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers.
“We must send a clear, firm and unequivocal signal, especially to left-leaning groups, liberal factions or political allies who try to fish in troubled waters.
“Never challenge these red lines,” he said when officiating the joint assemblies of the UMNO Women’s, Youth and Puteri wings during the party’s general assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Mohamad cautioned partners within the Unity Government against assuming that UMNO’s presence in the Cabinet had weakened its resolve or muted its voice.
“Do not think that because we want political stability, we will close our eyes when the foundations of the nation are threatened. UMNO will not remain silent.
“We will rise, we will speak out, and we will fight to the bitter end against anyone, friend or foe, who attempts to tear apart these three main pillars.
“This is a stern warning. We are prepared to cooperate for the sake of the people and the country, but if itchy hands begin to touch our religion, our race and our rulers, we will swat those hands away with all the strength we have,” he said.
He added that while political realities may shift and alliances may change, UMNO’s principles remain permanent and inseparable from the party.
Addressing criticism over UMNO’s continued role in government, Mohamad acknowledged that the party’s position has been widely questioned, including by its own supporters.
“In a world in turmoil and with an angry public, many are asking, some even cynically, ‘why is UMNO still shamelessly in this government?
“Why sit at the same table with former enemies? Has UMNO become power-crazy?’” he said.
Mohamad explained that following the 15th General Election, UMNO had in fact been prepared to sit in opposition and accept the voters’ verdict with an open heart, using the time to rebuild its strength from the grassroots.
However, he said circumstances and the national interest outweighed party considerations.
“At that time, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong summoned us. The country was ‘hanging’, Parliament was hanging. Politics was on the brink of chaos. The people’s economy was beginning to be threatened.
“At that critical moment, Tuanku commanded UMNO, even though we did not have many seats, to help form a government to save the country.
“We entered the Cabinet to build stability, brothers and sisters. We are the ‘anchor’ that ensures the ship of the nation does not sink,” he said.
Mohamad said governing the country requires a clear understanding of Malaysia’s needs and careful decision-making so that current generations benefit without depriving those to come.
“So, managing the country, in my view, in simple terms, is about how UMNO maximises our position as a middle power and balancer, and acts as a responsible political party.
“Tonight, I want to remind you: anger must be woven with strategy. Courage must be woven with responsibility,” he said.
The joint assembly of the Women’s, Youth and Puteri wings also focused on preparations to increase UMNO’s seat tally in the 16th General Election.
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the objective was clearly articulated by the deputy president in his address, and it must now be translated into concrete strategy and action.
“That is the first thing for us to increase seats, perhaps from 30 to 60 victories.
“What is interesting is that what happens in the House, even though UMNO won 30 seats, the atmosphere is as if UMNO is governing Malaysia.
“So this is the UMNO spirit that continues to burn among the Youth and Puteri,” he told reporters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Ahmad added that Mohamad had also urged UMNO Youth to continue playing the role of a constructive pressure group within the political system.
“If there is something not right in the government, Youth should be the ones to speak up. I am happy with the pressure mentioned by the deputy president.
“Not negative pressure, but to correct mistakes. That is another important point in the speech.
“Two things: first, we must increase the number of seats we win, and second, Youth must continue to be a pressure group,” he said. - January 15, 2026
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