BN to Exit Unity Government After Parliament Dissolution, Says Zahid Hamidi

Speaking in his opening address at the 18th annual general assembly of the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 27, Zahid stressed that the coalition’s departure is tied directly to the dissolution of Parliament. He noted that the decision aligns with the commitment made upon entering the administration and described the pledge as a promise made to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Commitment to the Unity Government Until Dissolution

Zahid, who serves as Malaysia’s deputy prime minister and president of UMNO, stated that the moment the current Parliament is dissolved, we will no longer be part of that government as reported by The Star. Until that dissolution occurs, the coalition remains dedicated to the unity administration.

Political Identity and State-Level Competition

According to Zahid, participating in the unity government does not require the coalition to abandon its political positions or identity. He emphasized that Barisan remains Barisan, explaining that the national-level agreement allows for independent maneuvering at lower levels. He pointed to recent state elections, including those in Johor where the coalition contested all 56 seats, as proof that parties can uphold the principle while competing against each other and maintaining different political alignments at the state level.