Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that new Malay-based political parties are welcome in Malaysia's political landscape, provided they help unite rather than further divide the community ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
Speaking after the Majlis Zikir Peringati Haul Asmaulhusna 2026 at Masjid Sultan Iskandar in Bandar Dato' Onn, Johor Bahru, the Barisan Nasional chairman stated that any individual or political figure is free to establish a new party as long as it contributes to unity among Malays rather than deepening existing divisions.
"We welcome any individual or figure, on the condition that we unite our thinking and do not continue to be divided among ourselves," Zahid said, as reported by Berita Harian.
"Whatever platform is used, if in the end we are able to unite our actions around the national agenda, the Islamic agenda and the agenda of our community, insya-Allah. We will be able to lend our support because we have also come together through dialogues and discussions under the national collaboration initiative that we have undertaken," he added.
The Umno president said differences in opinion should be channelled into advancing national interests, Islamic causes and the welfare of future generations, without sidelining other races and religions in the country. He added that Umno's Rumah Bangsa initiative has succeeded in promoting national unity.
Zahid's remarks came a day after Reset chairman Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced that the movement would operate under a new party known as Parti Wawasan Negara. Hamzah has presented the party as a new political platform, while PAS leaders have signalled openness to cooperation, subject to political negotiations.
The comments carry significance as Johor and Negeri Sembilan prepare for their respective state elections. BN's strategy in both state elections remains closely watched as it balances federal cooperation with PH and state-level competition.
Zahid emphasised that all parties should prioritise the broader national agenda over narrow political interests.
With nomination day approaching for Johor on June 27 and for Negeri Sembilan on July 18, the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the upcoming state polls.
Sources: Berita Harian, Malay Mail, Free Malaysia Today, Election Commission, The Edge Malaysia
