KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 16): Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Umno was being courted by various parties but committed to staying in the unity government after paying a ‘heavy price’ for being a part of it. He warned that repeated attacks on the party and its leaders risk testing that resolve. Zahid said Umno had paid a “heavy price” for being part of the unity government, facing insults, attacks and accusations that it had diluted its struggle for Malay and Islamic interests merely to cling to power. He acknowledged growing discontent among Umno members and Malay voters over the party’s role in the unity government, but said decisions taken by the leadership were guided by national interest and broader considerations of public welfare rather than personal survival. He warned, however, that Umno is not a “decorative” or expendable component of any coalition, but a pillar of national stability that expects loyalty to be met with respect.

Source: The Edge Markets January 16, 2026 05:55 UTC