Umno to stay the course with govt, respects differing view

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that the party respects dissenting views within the unity government and reaffirmed its commitment to the current administration until its term concludes. During the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Zahid, who also serves as deputy prime minister, stated that differing views within Umno should be acknowledged as personal opinions, not representing the official stance of the party.

He clarified that any divergent views expressed by Umno members in the Cabinet are a reflection of their individual perspectives. Zahid asserted that Umno's Cabinet members are professionals dedicated to fulfilling their responsibilities, despite the varying viewpoints. The Umno veteran had previously advocated for an early general election during the assembly, suggesting that staying with the government until its term ends could be detrimental to Umno.

Zahid's remarks followed his critical comments about Pakatan Harapan and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the general assembly. He had claimed that Umno could outperform the PKR president. Earlier in the day, Zahid challenged Umno's critics to remove Umno and Barisan Nasional from the unity coalition government and demanded a no-confidence motion against Anwar.

The party's official stance would be conveyed through statements from the party secretary-general or Zahid himself, according to his comments.