Umno going solo? We’ll decide closer to GE16, says Tok Mat

(NST) – It is unfair to evaluate Umno’s strength now to decide whether the party should go it alone in the 16th General Election (GE16), says Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the party leadership would look into the matter thoroughly when the time comes.

“We cannot judge ourselves now for 2027. When it is almost time for elections, we’ll see the situation or strength of our party.

“We will see if we can go solo or if we need partners to face the elections. Right now it’s unfair to judge ourselves for 2027,” he said when visiting the media centre at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) in conjunction with the 2024 Umno General Assembly today.

Yesterday, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in his policy speech, had asked the delegates to question the wisdom of the party going solo in GE16.

Zahid had asked the delegates to consider the advantages the party holds now based on data, and current sentiments, including the bigger electoral roll.

Zahid said the decision not to go solo was to avoid overlapping of seats with other parties in the unity government.

In his policy speech, Zahid however said Barisan Nasional would still continue using its “dacing” (scales) symbol when contesting in any elections.