UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s fiery address at the Umno General Assembly (PAU 2026) marks a return to a well‑trodden script: castigating DAP, questioning Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, and reviving calls for early elections.
This continuity is striking. Back in 2021, Zahid declared unequivocally: “No BERSATU, No Anwar, No DAP.” He insisted Umno would contest GE15 under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner alone, rejecting any formal or informal cooperation with PKR, DAP, or Bersatu.
His rhetoric then was framed around restoring Umno’s dominance and purging “traitors” and “political opportunists” from the party’s ranks.
Five years later, the tone remains familiar. In his 2026 speech, Zahid referred to Anwar as “guru” — a pointed jab at the Prime Minister — while asserting BN could manage the economy better.
He criticised policy uncertainty, especially over taxation, and warned against the weaponisation of enforcement agencies.
Persistent Hostility Toward DAP
Umno’s antagonism toward DAP has not softened despite the unity government arrangement. Zahid’s remarks echo the party’s long‑standing suspicion of DAP, while Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has kept up a steady drumbeat of criticism against the coalition partner.
This underscores the ideological discomfort within Umno’s grassroots, who remain wary of sharing power with a party they once branded as inimical to Malay interests.
Zahid’s renewed push for an early 16th General Election (GE16) is another familiar move. Under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s premiership, Umno pressed for snap polls — only to suffer a poor showing in GE15. Yet Zahid now argues the landscape has shifted.
BN’s stronger performances in Sabah, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan state elections have emboldened the leadership, and the upcoming Melaka polls could further cement momentum.
This confidence is packaged in Zahid’s “Malaysia Blue Agenda,” a sweeping plan centred on wealth creation, equity, resilience, and trust. He insists BN is primed to reclaim federal dominance ahead of Malaysia’s centenary of independence.
Umno’s rhetoric at PAU 2026 signals a reversion to its default posture: slamming DAP, questioning Anwar, and positioning itself as the natural ruling party.
The difference lies in Zahid’s calculation that BN’s recent state‑level successes may translate into federal gains — a gamble that previously backfired but now appears more plausible.
Whether this strategy strengthens Umno’s hand or destabilises the unity government remains to be seen. What is clear is that Zahid has chosen to revive the familiar battle lines of “No Anwar, No DAP” — even while sitting at the same governing table. – September 12, 2026
A. Azim Idris is a News Editor at Scoop