UMNO has given its state-level leadership a mandate to hold discussions and negotiations with political parties willing to cooperate with the party in the next election, signalling a more open approach to potential electoral alliances.
UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the decision was among several resolutions reached at the party’s Supreme Council meeting chaired by president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Menara Dato’ Onn on Friday night.
“Any negotiations with any party to establish cooperation in the coming election must be based on sincerity and trust, not threats or intimidation,” he told a press conference after the meeting.
The meeting, which began at 8.45pm, was also attended by deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and members of the Supreme Council.
Asyraf said the meeting also agreed to extend a formal invitation to PAS leaders to attend the 2026 UMNO General Assembly, scheduled from Sept 9 to 12.
He said three programmes would also be held on Sept 8 — the 2026 Malay Education Convention, the Malaysian Islamic Scholars Conference and Laman Wanita Kreatif.
On a separate matter, Asyraf Wajdi said UMNO remained committed to the rule of law, stressing that no individual should be deemed guilty until they had been charged, tried and convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“UMNO stresses that the party remains consistent in refusing to defend any misconduct, malpractice or wrongdoing by any party, including party members and leaders, who must be brought before the courts through due legal process,” he said.
He said the principle of the rule of law must always be respected and upheld, including in enforcement actions and investigations involving any individual. “An individual cannot be considered guilty until they have been charged, tried and convicted by a court with jurisdiction.”
“Any action to shame or humiliate an individual, including creating a perception that someone who has only been detained for investigation is already guilty, is contrary to the principles of justice, the presumption of innocence and the spirit of the rule of law,” he said.
Asyraf reiterated that UMNO would not defend any misconduct, malpractice or wrongdoing committed by any party, including its members or leaders. Instead, anyone involved must be brought before the courts and given due opportunity to go through the proper legal process.
On the political landscape, Asyraf said UMNO had also taken note of various empirical studies conducted by agencies and academics on public sentiment, particularly among Malays. - August 29, 2026
