BARISAN Nasional only did not want to work with PKR and DAP in the general election, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The Barisan Nasional chairman said the coalition did not say it would not work with the two parties after the polls.

The Facebook statement came after he led BN into a partnership with Pakatan Harapan (PH) to form the federal government helmed by Anwar Ibrahim.

BN has also teamed up with PH to form the state governments of Perak and Pahang.

The Umno president said BN-PH cooperation following the general election would ensure stability and that the welfare of the people were taken care of.

 “This is a pioneer move towards a united and harmonious government to ensure that the focus remains on development (of the nation).

“All this is also consistent with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree for a unity government,” Zahid said.

Other components in the federal government are Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Muda, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and two independents.

Their combined support gives the government 145 seats in parliament. A simple majority is 112 seats.

Zahid told Umno members that cooperation with other parties did not mean that the party had compromised on its principles.

“Umno’s mission as a vehicle for the progress and empowerment of Malays and Muslims remains intact. The party will defend its policy to adopt a moderate yet progressive attitude to change.” – November 29, 2022.