BN to quit coalition government the minute parliament is dissolved, Zahid

WORLD TRADE CENTRE KUALA LUMPUR, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Barisan Nasional (BN) will exit the federal Unity Government the moment Parliament is dissolved, UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Thursday, reaffirming the coalition’s pledge to remain in the administration only until the end of the 15th Parliament.

The announcement follows the coalition’s original commitment, made after the 15th general election, to support the Unity Government until the parliamentary term expires. Zahid said the promise was given to the Yang di‑Pertuan Agong and was embedded in the agreement that underpinned the formation of the current administration. He added that cooperation in the federal cabinet does not mean BN has “surrendered its identity or stopped having its own position”.

Zahid framed the coalition’s dual role as “two‑level politics”, noting that its responsibilities at the federal level can differ from the political realities it faces in individual states. He cited the recent Johor state election as an illustration of BN’s independent stance. In Johor, BN contested all 56 state seats on its own, despite being part of the federal government, and secured 40 of those seats.

“That shows BN can operate autonomously at the state level while still cooperating federally,” he said.

The situation in Negeri Sembilan, however, presents a different picture. In that state election, BN won 18 seats, while seven seats were taken by Perikatan Nasional (PN) representatives who are currently suspended. Zahid said the mandate given to BN by Negeri Sembilan voters must be respected and that the state administration should be allowed to function without interference from any party, “in the interests of its people”.

He emphasized that developments in Negeri Sembilan would not affect BN’s commitment to the Unity Government at the federal level.

On the upcoming Melaka state election, Zahid said the coalition’s approach will be decided through internal party and coalition deliberations, including discussions on candidates and electoral strategy. He declined to use his authority as BN chairman to unilaterally determine which parties or coalitions BN should align with in the state.

“I will bring these matters to the BN Supreme Council for us to discuss and make a decision,” he said, adding that any decision reached for Melaka would be taken while still honouring the coalition’s federal commitment.

Zahid’s remarks come as Malaysia’s political landscape prepares for the dissolution of the 15th Parliament, an event that will trigger a general election and potentially reshape the composition of the federal government. By signalling a clear exit point, BN aims to preserve its distinct political brand while maintaining its role in the current administration until the constitutional deadline.

The leader also reiterated that BN’s participation in the Unity Government was rooted in a formal agreement rather than an informal arrangement. “The commitment was made to the Yang di‑Pertuan Agong and through the agreement underpinning the formation of the Unity Government,” he said, underscoring the legal and constitutional basis of the coalition’s involvement.

While BN will step down from the federal cabinet after dissolution, Zahid indicated that the coalition will continue to engage with the government on a case‑by‑case basis where necessary, provided such cooperation does not compromise its identity. He did not specify any particular policy areas where BN might still collaborate post‑dissolution.

The announcement has immediate implications for the balance of power in the federal parliament. Should BN withdraw its ministers and MPs from the Unity Government, the ruling coalition will need to reconfigure its cabinet and possibly seek new partners to retain a parliamentary majority. Analysts, however, were not quoted in the source, and no further details on the potential reshuffle were provided.

Zahid concluded by affirming that BN’s future actions will be guided by the will of its electorate and the decisions of its supreme council. “Whatever decision is reached for Melaka, BN will continue to honour its commitment at the federal level while taking into account the political circumstances,” he said, signalling that the coalition will weigh both national and state considerations as the election cycle unfolds.

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