Mahdzir signals talks with Sanusi on Umno-Pas cooperation in Kedah

Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Mahdzir Khalid intends to meet Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor post-2026 Umno General Assembly to explore the possibility of Umno-Pas cooperation in the state. Mahdzir mentioned that the meeting will occur after both parties have finished their respective gatherings. During the muktamar in Kota Baru, all Sanusi's party leaders were in Kelantan, while Mahdzir is currently in Kuala Lumpur for the Umno general assembly.

Mahdzir revealed that Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's policy speech today provided a clear direction for the party leading up to the 16th General Election, which includes the potential for an understanding with Pas. Such cooperation would fulfill the desires of Malays who wish for their political parties to collaborate, according to Mahdzir.

While Mahdzir did not disclose whether Kedah Umno would accept Sanusi's continued role as menteri besar, he stated that such decisions would be made by the party leadership and discussed in future negotiations. Mahdzir also emphasized that any understanding between the two parties would need to consider the differing circumstances in states governed by Umno and those controlled by other parties. Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis are currently under Pas control, collectively known as SG4.