UMNO must ensure efforts to strengthen Malay-Muslim political unity do not alienate non-Malay Malaysians or Sabah and Sarawak, which have emerged as decisive forces in determining the formation of the Federal Government, its deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.
He said UMNO could no longer regard Sabah and Sarawak as “fixed deposits” in national politics, stressing that the party needed their confidence and support when Malaysia’s political landscape became increasingly fragmented.
“The opening of space for cooperation among various Malay parties in elections must not offend our partners from other races, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Never think that our constituency consists only of Malays.
“Our actions and behaviour must never create concern among non-Malay Malaysians and our partners in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Remember, when Malaysian politics becomes chaotic and disorderly, we need the confidence of non-Malays and parties from Sabah and Sarawak to form the Government.
“They have now become the deciding force. The era of regarding them as fixed deposits is now a thing of the past,” he said when delivering his speech at the opening of the UMNO Women's, Youth and Puteri General Assemblyin Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Mohamad said UMNO must also move away from a toxic political culture of insults, abuse and slander, which he identified as one reason younger Malaysians were increasingly turning away from politics.
“This country yearns to return to the ‘politics of civility’ of previous generations.
“Criticism was conveyed with due consideration. Admonitions were made with wisdom. Differences were managed with courtesy,” he said.
“One of the reasons young people are avoiding politics is because Malaysia’s political culture has become very toxic,” he said when opening the 2026 UMNO Women's, Youth and Puteri General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
He said politics should return to a more civilised culture, with criticism expressed carefully, admonitions delivered with wisdom and differences managed with courtesy.
He cited Sarawak as an example of mature political culture, where differences could be managed through discussion and civility.
Mohamad also urged UMNO members not to become caught up in a cycle of slander and abuse, but instead to play a responsible role in combating fake news and misinformation.
“Slander and misinformation are very dangerous weapons. If we play with them, they will eventually come back to haunt us,” he said.
On Malay-Muslim political cooperation, Mohamad said UMNO had set four conditions, with cooperation to be pursued sincerely and based on the strategic interests of Malay Muslims.
He said such cooperation must not be temporary, seasonal, interrupted or intended to exploit UMNO's strengths or weaknesses.
“For this reason, UMNO is very cautious and does not want past bad experiences to be repeated. UMNO’s position is very clear. If you are sincere, we too will be sincere in everything, God willing.
“Therefore, Malay political unity can happen at any time and under any circumstances,” he said.
Mohamad added such cooperation must be spearheaded by UMNO and implemented under its “Rumah Bangsa” vision, while remaining flexible and based on mutual understanding rather than binding agreements.
“Any political cooperation involving the Malay community that is not forged in the spirit and aspirations of ‘Rumah Bangsa’ will not benefit us. It must be under UMNO’s umbrella, with UMNO as the foundation, central pillar and firm principle binding everyone to Malay interests.
“UMNO gave birth to Malay nationalism and will continue to serve as the umbrella protecting Malay unity forever. Therefore, do not be prejudiced against the ‘Rumah Bangsa’ vision simply because it was inspired by UMNO.
“UMNO does not need a new political alliance and will remain with Barisan Nasional, now, before and forever. We do not like to be bound, nor do we bind others. UMNO wants the freedom to act according to its political calculations,” said the Rembau MP.
Mohamad said such cooperation must not become a means of making UMNO indebted to or dependent on other parties for continued Malay support.
“But how long should UMNO depend on the help and goodwill of its political partners? UMNO has its own experience and will use it to build a solid and formidable support base among Malays.
“Relying on charity and assistance is not UMNO’s way of thinking. UMNO’s philosophy is that it should provide protection and shelter for the Malay community, God willing,” he said.
Mohamad said UMNO had never closed the door on Malay unity across party and ideological lines, and remained open to working with all parties to safeguard the interests of the Malay community and Islam. - September 10, 2026
