UMNO eyes Terengganu comeback as Kedah seeks talks with PAS

 

TERENGGANU UMNO has expressed confidence in retaking the state in the upcoming election despite contesting alone, citing growing public support

Kuala Nerus UMNO Division Chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said turnout at UMNO events mirrors the momentum seen in 2004.

“Any event led by UMNO receives an extraordinary turnout, reminiscent of the conditions experienced in 2004. So I see complete confidence, and the people have begun to change after two terms of PAS rule in Terengganu,” he said during a press conference.

Talking on the chances of UMNO winning without joining forces with any other parties, he said: “The people are now politically savvy and have begun to understand, even comparing performance (between PAS and Barisan Nasional or BN) across several aspects.

“This includes issues surrounding education, taxes, and water tariffs, which are being disputed because such increases never occurred during our administration. Based on this situation, I see our chances (of retaking Terengganu) as very bright,” he said.

He also noted comparisons between PAS and BN governance on education, taxes, and water tariffs.

Meanwhile, Kedah UMNO confirmed its stance to initiate informal talks with PAS while rejecting cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Merbok UMNO Division Chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said PN comprises “small parties lacking solid influence”. He emphasised Kedah UMNO’s readiness, citing 284,994 active members across 2,228 branches statewide.

“Kedah UMNO has decided that we will initiate discussions with PAS, but not with PN. This is because within PN, there are ‘cat parties’—parties that are newly established and small.

“So, Kedah UMNO will only engage in direct discussions with PAS,” he said when debating the UMNO President’s policy speech at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly  at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today. —  Focus Malaysia