BARISAN Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for speculation over the next prime minister to be put aside until Parliament is dissolved, saying it is too early to discuss electoral cooperation or potential candidates.
Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO president, said the timing of the next general election remained uncertain and parties should instead concentrate on the upcoming Melaka State Election.
“It is too early to name someone to hold that position (prime minister), as we do not yet know when the general election will be held. It could still be a long way off or it could be near.
“So, I think it is better that we put the matter aside for now and focus on the Melaka State Election,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Orang Asli Sports Carnival at the EduCity Sports Complex in Iskandar Puteri today.
His remarks came after PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was reported on Friday as saying that the party already had a candidate for prime minister, although he said the individual would not be revealed yet.
Hadi said the choice of prime ministerial candidate would only be made after the strength of the seats won by the parties contesting the next general election was known.
Zahid also reaffirmed BN’s support for the unity government and said the party would abide by the wishes of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, including on the dissolution of Parliament.
“The general election is under the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister. So, as a political party supporting the unity government, we will abide by His Majesty’s decree on this matter,” he said. - September 6, 2026
