Lumut: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that the party will not contest solo in the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16). Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, stated that UMNO will remain a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN) for the election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that UMNO has never contested on its own in the past and dismissed claims that the party’s losses in several by-elections were due to its partnership within BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH). He addressed the issue during the opening of the 2025 Lumut UMNO Division Delegates’ Meeting, highlighting that suggestions to contest solo had been raised in multiple regions, including Kedah and Johor. Ahmad Zahid noted that some divisions implied their defeats were due to having allies in BN and PH.

Ahmad Zahid assured that UMNO will continue using the dacing (scales) logo, the BN symbol, in GE16, while maintaining collaboration with partners such as MIC, MCA, PH, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS). His remarks were supported by UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who affirmed that the party has never contested solo in its history, despite shifting political dynamics.

Also attending the meeting were Perak UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Lumut UMNO Division chief Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.