BN backs unity govt despite push for earlier GE16, says Zambry

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Barisan Nasional remains committed to the unity government and the country’s political stability despite calls within the coalition for the 16th General Election (GE16) to be held earlier, said its secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.

The Star reported that Zambry said BN’s support for the unity government remained firm, stressing that calls for an earlier election should not be interpreted as confidence that the coalition would automatically regain federal power.

“Although Umno and Barisan may want an earlier election, it does not mean we are overconfident that we will win and form the government,” he said.

“Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has also stressed many times that this country needs to remain stable and he has made a clear commitment,” he added.

Zambry said this after launching the Asia Pacific University (APU) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supercomputing Lab powered by NVIDIA DGX Sparks here today.

He said there was no intention among BN’s partners to undermine or bring down the unity government before the next general election.

“The question of poking holes in the roof (tebuk atap) does not arise at all because we are committed to maintaining this government until the election date is announced,” he said.

Zambry added that this remained BN’s position as a partner in the Madani government.

His comments followed Zahid’s recent support for GE16 to be held earlier, with the BN chairman saying a sooner election would allow the government to seek a fresh mandate from voters.

Zahid had also said BN was prepared to contest GE16 at the end of the current parliamentary term if it ran its full course.

The 15th Parliament is expected to complete its full term on December 18, 2027.