KUALA LUMPUR: Reminding critics that Barisan Nasional’s support was key to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim becoming the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has challenged detractors to kick the coalition out of the government.
“Ceplos... don’t challenge Umno to leave the government.
“The unity government was formed because of Umno. The Prime Minister became prime minister because of Umno’s support,” said the party president in his winding-up speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly.
“Ceplos” is a Malay slang used to describe party loyalists or blind supporters who unquestioningly defend the party leadership.
Ahmad Zahid then produced the agreement on the formation of the government and read out its terms.
“I am not angry. I am fired up. The understanding was that this is a coalition government known as the unity government.
“Hey, ceplos, look at this (agreement). There is no mention of the Madani government.”
He said the unity government was initially formed with the support of 82 Pakatan Harapan MPs and 30 Umno MPs, giving it a base of 112 lawmakers.
Ahmad Zahid then pointed out that Pakatan had since lost three MPs – Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Wong Chen.
“If we are told to leave, it logically follows that the number of supporters they originally had will also decrease.
“There will no longer be 112 lawmakers supporting the government, which is the simple majority,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also gave an ultimatum: either hold an early general election to seek a fresh mandate or remove the coalition officially.
“If we are asked to leave, the basic logic is that a fresh mandate should be obtained.
“There are only two options. Either obtain a fresh mandate through a general election, or officially remove us and table a vote of no confidence,” he said.
“If you are brave, dissolve Parliament quickly,” he added, drawing loud cheers and shouts of “bubar” (dissolve) from the delegates.
Ahmad Zahid said Umno and Barisan had joined the unity government to provide political stability and to ensure benefits to the people.
“However, cooperation within the government administration does not mean surrendering the future of the party.
“Cooperation does not mean surrender. I repeat,” he said, drawing laughter from the floor in an apparent reference to remarks often made by Anwar.
His remarks were again met with shouts of “bubar” from the delegates.
At a press conference later, Ahmad Zahid said the Blue Malaysia Agenda would form a key part of Barisan’s manifesto for the next general election.
He said the agenda, unveiled in his presidential address, would be what the coalition offers to Malaysians and its members.
The agenda sets out a vision for Malaysia’s future as the country moves towards 100 years of independence.
Ahmad Zahid said it would be pursued if Umno, Barisan and their political allies return to Putrajaya.
“It will become the official manifesto after we discuss it with the leadership of Barisan component parties and Friends of Barisan.
“We will affirm the proposal once the manifesto preparation process is fully completed.”
