UMNO has reaffirmed its commitment to contesting the next general election under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner, rejecting suggestions that it might stand alone.
“There has never been a question of UMNO contesting solo at the next general election, because the political dynamics have shifted entirely,” said UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki on Sunday.
Speaking after officiating the 2025 Arau UMNO Division Delegates’ Meeting, Asyraf emphasised the party’s long-standing history of coalition politics.
“We have never contested alone. Since independence and the first general election, we’ve partnered with parties such as MCA and MIC under the Alliance. Then in 1974, we widened our coalition under Tun Abdul Razak, forming BN with 14 political parties,” he explained.
Datuk Rozabil Abdul Rahman, Perlis UMNO liaison chief, was also present at the event.
Asyraf maintained that UMNO, even in its strongest periods, has always depended on its coalition partners and would continue to do so.
“Even globally, it is clear that no single party can function in isolation. Today, 89 countries practise coalition politics to suit current political realities.
“What matters most is that we will contest under the BN ticket. The form of cooperation will be decided at upcoming leadership meetings,” he added.
Addressing concerns voiced by some BN component parties, including the MCA and MIC, regarding BN’s diminished political dominance, Asyraf said there was no significant internal discord.
“BN has mechanisms for discussion. I’ve not heard of any issues raised in the recent BN Supreme Council meeting. I believe the component parties understand, as we have faced similar challenges in the past.”
He drew parallels to the 1969 general election, where support among non-Malay voters declined significantly.
“After 1969, although we had lost ground, the creation of BN in 1974 marked a revival. Parties like the MCA, MIC and PBRS returned stronger, winning with impressive majorities,” he said. - July 6, 2025
