Zahid challenges Harapan to remove Umno from government

Zahid issued the challenge while underscoring the critical role Barisan Nasional plays in maintaining the current government's stability in Parliament. The Deputy Prime Minister's remarks highlight the delicate power-sharing arrangement that underpins the administration, where Umno's presence is essential to sustaining the coalition's majority.

The statement comes amid ongoing political tensions within the ruling coalition, which comprises Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. Zahid's comments suggest that removing Umno from government would require dissolving Parliament, a move that could destabilise the current administration.

Umno, the largest component of Barisan Nasional, has maintained its position as a key stakeholder in the government despite its role in the previous administration. The party's continued participation in the coalition has occasionally drawn criticism from Pakatan Harapan allies, but removing it would fundamentally alter the parliamentary arithmetic.

Zahid's assertion reflects the precarious balance that characterises Malaysia's current political landscape, where coalition partners must navigate competing interests while maintaining enough parliamentary numbers to prevent a change of government. The challenge underscores the interdependence between the two blocs and the practical constraints they face in governing.