KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional is almost certain to go solo in the 16th General Election (GE16) but may pursue other political cooperation after the general election, says its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
"We have always gone solo. Pre-election, although our principle is to go solo, it is possible to reach an understanding to avoid seat overlaps with our current partners in the other coalition," he said during an interview with selected media here on Sunday (May 3).
Barisan and Pakatan Harapan have worked together in state and by-elections following the formation of the unity government in 2022.
In the 15th General Election (GE15), some multi-cornered fights between Barisan, Pakatan and Perikatan Nasional split votes, benefiting Perikatan.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Umno president, said that a two-cornered fight is certainly better than a three-cornered fight or more.
Pressed further on going solo, he said it was meant to avoid any seat overlap and that he would not rule out cooperating with other coalitions after the general election.
"For instance, some had questioned the stance of ‘No Anwar, No DAP, No Bersatu, No Muhyiddin’
"But once we crossed the bridge, meaning after the general election, there was a hung parliament.
"There is no dominant party that can form the government. Although we only have 30 seats, it allowed us to form the government.
"And I foresee that this will happen again.
"I don't think that in the GE16 there will be a dominant party that can form the government on its own. This is a fact that we have to accept," said Ahmad Zahid.
Asked whether Barisan is comfortable working with Pakatan, he said he was, but that does not mean the coalition will remain complacent.
"But this understanding is established for the people.
"And for their interest, we will set aside any form of 'uncomfortableness' if there is such a thing," he said.
