Zahid Assures Non-Malay Voters BN-PN Understanding Will Protect Community Representation

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured non-Malay voters that the political understanding between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) will not affect the representation of Chinese, Indian or other minority communities.

Speaking at an event in Rasa, Zahid said voters should not be concerned about the cooperation ahead of the Negeri Sembilan state election, as BN remains committed to its multiracial political structure.

The BN chairman said the coalition continues to include parties and affiliated groups representing Malaysians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

He highlighted the roles of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and Friends of Barisan Nasional in ensuring that communities outside BN’s core support base remain represented.

According to Zahid, the political understanding with PN does not mean BN will abandon its inclusive approach or overlook the interests of non-Malay voters.

Instead, he described the arrangement as a strategy to reduce direct electoral clashes between candidates from the two coalitions in selected constituencies.

Zahid clarified that the cooperation should not be regarded as a formal political alliance. He said it is an electoral understanding aimed at preventing BN and PN candidates from contesting against one another in the same seats.

The UMNO president also referred to the Johor state election, where PN leaders reportedly encouraged their supporters to back BN candidates in constituencies not contested by PN.

He urged BN supporters, including members and voters aligned with UMNO and other component parties, to reciprocate by supporting PN candidates in areas covered by the understanding.

Zahid expressed hope that a victory on August 1 would become the first successful outcome of the arrangement and provide a foundation for further cooperation between the two coalitions.