UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s challenge to parties calling for UMNO to end its cooperation with the Federal Government was not driven by emotion, said UMNO Puteri information chief Nooryana Najwa Najib.
Instead, she said the challenge reflected Zahid’s responsibility to defend the party’s dignity and represent the concerns of its grassroots.
Nooryana, who is also the daughter of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, said UMNO had played an important role since the last General Election in helping form and maintain the stability of the Unity Government in the country’s interest.
She stressed that genuine political friendship and cooperation must be built on mutual respect, honesty, fairness and trust.
“I therefore remind all parties not to take advantage of or underestimate the commitment shown by UMNO.
“Let us not allow UMNO’s patience to be mistaken for weakness, or our sincerity in defending stability to be taken for granted,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Nooryana’s remarks came as she defended Deputy Prime Minister Zahid following criticism over his recent challenge to Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil had on Sunday advised Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly UMNO leaders, not to act emotionally and said those serving in the Cabinet should prioritise the country’s interests.
On Saturday, Zahid, who is also BN chairman, openly challenged PH, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to remove BN from the Unity Government if it no longer wanted to work with the coalition.
Addressing PH supporters who had criticised him for speaking out against government policies, Zahid warned that the Federal Government would collapse without BN.
He said PH had two options — seek a fresh mandate through a general election, or formally remove BN through a no-confidence motion in the Dewan Rakyat and dissolve Parliament.
“One (option for PH) is to seek a fresh mandate by holding a general election.
“Second, officially remove us (BN) by holding a no-confidence vote in the Dewan Rakyat and dissolve Parliament,” he said during his winding-up speech at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
