KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 — A proposal for the formation of a “Grand Collaboration” through political understanding (Tafahum Siyasi) among the country’s political party coalitions has been put forward to avoid political clashes that would be detrimental to the ummah and the nation, said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the concept does not involve a merger of political parties, but rather a common ground for mutual understanding aimed at preserving political stability and reinvigorating national economic growth.

He said the approach draws lessons from the wisdom of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah and the opening of Makkah, which demonstrated that political victory and understanding must be accompanied by the values of forgiveness, compassion and unity.

“This Grand Collaboration is not a merger of parties. Instead, it is an understanding aimed at avoiding clashes that would be detrimental. I understand and can sense the concerns of the Malays, who no longer want us to clash and quarrel among ourselves.

“However, in building this common ground, we are not forcing any party to dilute its identity. In other words, whoever Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) work with, Umno remains Umno, and Barisan Nasional remains Barisan Nasional,” he said.

He said this when delivering his presidential address at the 2026 Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, outlined three key principles in guiding the Tafahum Siyasi understanding: prioritising common ground for the benefit of the ummah, respecting differences in ideology as well as the respective parties’ guidelines, and upholding the principle of flexibility in practising tolerance.

He also stressed that honesty and sincerity are key prerequisites that cannot be compromised in making the political understanding a success, in order to prevent a repeat of episodes of betrayal and broken agreements.

At the same time, Ahmad Zahid said Umno needs to remember its fundamental character as a party that does not merely think superficially from one election cycle to another, but is capable of planning the nation’s development with a long-term vision spanning generations.

According to Ahmad Zahid, the party’s struggle has always been underpinned by its ability to formulate inclusive socioeconomic plans for the well-being of the people and the nation.

He cited the introduction of the New Economic Policy (NEP) and the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) vision as examples of the party’s commitment to addressing the aspirations of new generations, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

“We need to remember Umno’s true character. We do not think only from one election term to the next. The reality is that Umno is a party that has always planned the nation’s development across generations.

“The NEP, for example, was not formulated to win applause for a season. TN50 was conceived to address the thinking and aspirations of Gen Z through to Gen Alpha. That is how a governing party thinks,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said the party’s priority is not merely to win a series of elections, but to ensure that a strong national framework and direction can be passed on to the next generation of leaders. — Bernama