UMNO has expressed strong support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following his indication that the 16th General Election (GE16) will not be held in the near future, stressing that national priority must remain on addressing the rising cost of living.
Its Secretary-General, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, said the country is currently navigating global uncertainties, and political leaders should set aside power struggles to concentrate on safeguarding the rakyat’s welfare. He emphasised that this is not the time for political manoeuvring, but for decisive action to ease the financial burden faced by Malaysians.
Speaking after officiating the simultaneous launch of UMNO branch meetings for 2026 alongside the Lumut division’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering at Dewan Merdeka, Manjung Municipal Council, he reiterated the importance of unity in tackling economic pressures.
Also present at the event was Zambry Abdul Kadir, who serves as Lumut UMNO division chief. The gathering underscored the party’s continued commitment to grassroots engagement amid evolving national challenges.
Anwar had earlier suggested that Parliament would not be dissolved anytime soon, allowing the government to prioritise economic recovery efforts and improve public wellbeing rather than rushing into elections. The stance signals a broader shift towards stability-focused governance during uncertain times.
Asyraf Wajdi further highlighted that global fuel price hikes, driven by geopolitical tensions and international conflicts, remain among the key external pressures impacting Malaysia. These factors, he noted, have directly contributed to the increasing daily expenses borne by the public.
In a wider perspective, he said the Prime Minister’s approach reflects a responsible and compassionate leadership style that acknowledges the real struggles faced by citizens. Within the context of Barisan Nasional, he affirmed that the coalition remains committed to prioritising initiatives that ease the rakyat’s hardship, especially during periods of economic strain.
