Umno’s exit from unity govt would demand fresh mandate, not backroom deal, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated that the party's removal from the unity government would necessitate a new mandate to determine the country's next administration. Zahid outlined two potential courses of action if Umno were asked to leave: holding a general election to secure a fresh mandate or formally removing the party and initiating a vote of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.

He emphasized that the original basis of 112 seats would no longer be valid if Umno were expelled, as a new mandate would be required. The two options were presented as the only possibilities in his closing speech at the Umno general assembly. Zahid's remarks elicited chants of "Bubar!" – meaning "dissolve" in Malay – from the audience.