UMNO prepares for 2026 General Assembly amid coalition tensions

The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is preparing for its 2026 General Assembly (PAU). Amidst the preparations, political tensions have emerged regarding the guest list, as UMNO has decided not to invite its Unity Government partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH), to the event.

Datuk Mahfuz Omar, Vice President of Amanah, stated that while PH respects UMNO’s right to determine its own guest list, he questioned why PAS—a political opponent—was invited while PH was excluded. UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi clarified that the invitation to PAS was a reciprocal gesture following an invitation to a PAS assembly. He noted that even if PH had been invited, he doubted they would have sent representatives.

Separately, the Puteri UMNO wing aims to use the upcoming assembly to transition from a mere party wing to a more influential platform for determining the party's direction. Leader Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd. Fauzi emphasized that the wing intends to focus on evidence-based policy rather than rhetoric, addressing issues relevant to women under 40, such as economic challenges, mental health, and leadership representation, in preparation for future elections.