Umno leader plans post-assembly talks with Kedah chief minister on coalition prospects

Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Mahdzir Khalid announced plans to meet Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor after both parties wrap up their respective gatherings - PAS’s muktamar in Kota Baru and Umno’s General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur. He told reporters at the World Trade Centre that the timing would follow the conclusion of these events. Citing UMNO president Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s policy speech, Mahdzir said the party now has a clear mandate to pursue an understanding with PAS before the upcoming 16th General Election.

He emphasized that such cooperation aligns with Malay voters’ desire for political parties to work together, while noting that any agreement must reflect the distinct circumstances in states ruled by UMNO and those under PAS, such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah. Mahdzir declined to confirm whether Sanusi would stay as chief minister, stating that the decision rests with party leadership and will be addressed in later negotiations.