Ahmad Zahid Proposes ‘Grand Collaboration’ Framework to Maintain Political Stability

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 – UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed the formation of a “Grand Collaboration” through political understanding (Tafahum Siyasi) among Malaysia’s political party coalitions to prevent destructive political clashes and safeguard national stability.

Delivering his presidential address at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly at the World Trade Centre (WTC) on Friday, Ahmad Zahid clarified that the proposed framework does not involve merging political parties. Instead, it aims to establish common ground to preserve political stability and reinvigorate national economic growth. Addresssing the assembly, he stated, “This Grand Collaboration is not a merger of parties. Instead, it is an understanding aimed at avoiding clashes that would be detrimental. I understand and can sense the concerns of the Malays, who no longer want us to clash and quarrel among ourselves.” He added that “however, in building this common ground, we are not forcing any party to dilute its identity. In other words, whoever UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) work with, UMNO remains UMNO, and Barisan Nasional remains Barisan Nasional,”.

Drawing parallels to historical Islamic governance, Ahmad Zahid noted that the approach draws lessons from the Treaty of Hudaibiyah and the opening of Makkah, which demonstrated that political understanding must be accompanied by forgiveness, compassion, and unity. Outlining the framework, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted three guiding principles: prioritizing common ground for the benefit of the ummah, respecting ideological differences and party guidelines, and maintaining flexibility through tolerance. He emphasized that honesty and sincerity remain non-negotiable prerequisites to prevent past betrayals and broken agreements from recurring.

In his address, Ahmad Zahid reminded members of UMNO’s foundational role as a party focused on long-term national planning across generations rather than short-term election cycles. Highlighting historical initiatives like the New Economic Policy (NEP) and National Transformation 2050 (TN50), he stressed that the party’s priority is building inclusive socioeconomic plans for future generations, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Reaffirming the party’s institutional vision, he stated, “We need to remember UMNO’s true character. We do not think only from one election term to the next. The reality is that UMNO is a party that has always planned the nation’s development across generations.” He concluded that “the NEP, for example, was not formulated to win applause for a season. TN50 was conceived to address the thinking and aspirations of Gen Z through to Gen Alpha. That is how a governing party thinks,”.

–NMT