Zahid backs confidence pact with Bersatu, pushes for broader opposition deal

MELAKA — Barisan Nasional (BN) has expressed support for a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) with Bersatu lawmakers, with party leaders indicating interest in expanding such arrangements to include opposition members.

Deputy chairman Zahid Hamidi welcomed the bilateral accord, describing it as a constructive step toward political stability. The agreement, which typically involves parliamentary support without formal coalition membership, represents a pragmatic approach to securing government backing in legislative votes.

Beyond the Bersatu arrangement, Zahid signalled BN's willingness to negotiate broader confidence pacts involving opposition parties. Such multi-party agreements would provide the government with a more stable parliamentary majority while allowing opposition members to maintain their independent status outside the formal coalition.

The development reflects ongoing efforts to build consensus across Malaysia's fractured political landscape. By securing support agreements from multiple groupings, the government aims to strengthen its legislative position and reduce reliance on single coalition partners.

Bersatu MPs joining the confidence arrangement represent a significant bloc, having previously maintained an ambiguous relationship with the government following internal party realignments.