Barisan Nasional is leaning decisively toward contesting Malaysia's next general election on its own, with chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying he is “almost certain” the coalition will go solo in GE16. [1]
Zahid said BN should still leave room for understanding with other coalitions, even as it prepares for a solo path. He said, “We have gone solo before,” and added, “In the coming election, I am almost certain we will go solo.” [1]
He said BN would not necessarily contest all 222 parliamentary seats. Instead, it would focus on constituencies where it believes it has a strong chance of winning. “I don’t think there is a need to do so. We will contest in seats where we believe our chances of winning are high,” Zahid said. [1]
Zahid also warned against clashes with allies and rivals in the same seat. “We must avoid seat overlaps and three-cornered fights. That is the best approach,” he said. [1]
BN and Pakatan Harapan have worked together in state and by-elections since the unity government formed in 2022, but Zahid said the coalition’s experience in GE15 shaped its view of the next contest. He said multi-cornered fights in the 15th general election split votes and helped Perikatan Nasional. [1]
Zahid said BN had gone solo in GE15 and the election before that. The coalition is expected to settle its GE16 approach before the next vote. [1]
