KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA January 16, 2026 – In a stirring policy speech at the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) General Assembly 2025 (PAU 2025), party president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the need for UMNO to reclaim its role as the “Rumah Bangsa” (House of the Nation), announcing the establishment of a special committee to facilitate the return of former members and strengthen Malay unity. The assembly, held at the World Trade Centre, comes amid preparations for the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16) and ongoing discussions about UMNO’s position in Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.
Zahid opened his address by reflecting on the challenges faced by UMNO over the past three years, highlighting the party’s commitment to national stability despite political costs. “I began my policy speech this meaningful morning by expressing honesty from the heart, sharing feelings that have been pent up in the souls of UMNO members throughout three years of carrying the national trust in a challenging political atmosphere,” Zahid stated in a post on X following the event. He stressed that UMNO must remain principled, loyal to the nation and religion, while translating patience and sincerity into achievements for the people.
A key highlight was the announcement of the Jawatankuasa Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa (Unity Committee for the House of the Nation), aimed at welcoming back “brothers and sisters” to consolidate Malay strength under a unified banner. Zahid described UMNO as a house that unites Malays with a “big soul, not with anger,” positioning the party as a central pillar for racial harmony and political renewal. This move is seen as an effort to rebuild the party’s base after recent electoral setbacks and internal divisions. In a poignant moment, Zahid led the assembly in a direct appeal to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim for “compassion and leniency” toward imprisoned former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The delegates rose to chant “Daulat Tuanku” three times, underscoring the party’s unwavering support for Najib, who is serving a sentence related to the 1MDB scandal. “UMNO humbly submits its plea and expresses its deepest gratitude to His Majesty the King of Malaysia, seeking His Majesty’s compassion for an individual named Najib Razak,” Zahid declared.
Zahid reaffirmed UMNO’s commitment to the unity government but issued a stern warning that the party’s patience has limits. bernama.com +1
He denied allegations that joining the coalition was a personal bid to evade legal troubles, insisting UMNO’s support for Najib has never wavered. “Let it be remembered, UMNO is a central pillar of the nation’s stability,” he said, emphasizing that loyalty must be met with respect and sincerity. Despite receiving other political offers, Zahid stated UMNO remains steadfast in its alliance.
The speech also touched on broader plans, including organizing a National Consultation (Musyawarah Nasional) focused on the Malay political agenda, involving organizations, experts, academics, and professionals.Zahid called for UMNO to adapt to new political realities, urging the party to prioritize the voices of its youth and women’s wings.
Reactions on X highlighted the assembly’s energy, with clips showing delegates cheering the unity committee announcement and discussions on UMNO’s future role. Political analysts noted that the speech signals UMNO’s push for relevance and inclusivity ahead of GE16, amid calls for rebranding and coalition navigation.
Zahid concluded by expressing hope that the speech’s essence would guide UMNO through current politics, ending with a prayer for divine blessings on the party’s struggles. The assembly continues with further deliberations, as UMNO seeks to solidify its position in Malaysia’s evolving political landscape.
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