UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is confident of receiving grassroots support for the party’s decision to remain with the unity government until the 16th General Election (GE16).

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said that the stance is not in his personal capacity but represents the party’s position, established through the Political Bureau Meeting, the Supreme Council Meeting and the Umno General Assembly three years ago.

On that basis, he said he also reminded that the unity government should be strengthened not only with the support of party members but also by Umno lawmakers themselves.

“I have no doubt about it (grassroots support). This is not about my personal stance; it is the party’s position that I have presented not only at the Political Bureau Meeting but also at the Supreme Council Meeting and at the Umno General Assembly.

“I hold firmly to that position. The unity government must be strengthened with the support of party members and our own members of Parliament,” he told the media at the World Trade Centre here today.

When asked about the possibility of contesting solo in GE16, Zahid said Umno will make a decision ahead of the election.

“When we face a general election, even if Umno contests alone, it does not mean we will not cooperate with any party based on the dotted line (guidelines).

“At the same time, the formation of the next government (after GE16) will depend on the number of seats won and the strength or weakness of support given to Umno candidates,” he said.

He also said Umno wishes to contest more than 30 parliamentary seats in the next GE.