Hamzah Zainudin pushes for UMNO and PAS alliance

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin is attempting to forge a unified Malay-Muslim political bloc by bringing together the two largest parties, UMNO and PAS. This strategic move aims to consolidate the interests of the Malay majority, who comprise nearly 60% of Malaysia's population, to create a formidable alliance ahead of the next general elections, which must be held by early 2028.

If successful, this alliance could undermine Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition government. The current administration relies on a strategy of maintaining a diverse coalition, but a unified UMNO-PAS front would challenge the government's ability to maintain its majority. The two parties have already demonstrated successful cooperation in the Negeri Sembilan state elections, where they agreed not to field candidates against each other to oust the Pakatan Harapan government. Similar arrangements are reportedly being considered for upcoming elections in Melaka.