BARISAN Nasional is leaning towards going solo in the next general election, although the coalition’s top leader has made it clear that flexibility remains on the table.

BN chairman and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition was “almost certain” to contest independently, while still acknowledging the practical need for political understanding with other blocs.

“We have gone solo before,” he said in an exclusive interview for Umno’s 80th anniversary celebration.

“We contested solo in GE15 (15th general election) and in the general election before that. In the coming election, I am almost certain we will go solo.

“But we should not dismiss the need for an understanding with other party coalitions.”

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, was responding to questions on whether BN and Umno had finalised their approach for the 16th general election, particularly on whether they would continue working with Pakatan Harapan or opt for an independent path.

BN and PH have worked together in state and by-elections following the formation of the unity government in 2022.

In GE15, some multicornered fights between BN, PH and Perikatan Nasional split votes in PN’s favour.

“We must avoid seat overlaps and three-cornered fights. That is the best approach,” said Zahid.

“We will cross the bridge when we come to it.”

While the direction appears to be towards contesting solo, he said BN would not be fielding candidates in all 222 parliamentary seats, signalling a more measured and selective strategy.

“I don’t think there is a need to do so. We will contest in seats where we believe our chances of winning are high.”

Zahid cautioned against treating a solo strategy as a fixed or emotional decision, saying that political miscalculation could leave the coalition exposed.

“We must be crystal clear on this matter. We should not rush into going solo to the extent that we dismiss all possibilities, only to end up ‘lost at sea’ once again.”

He said BN must remain responsive to an increasingly fluid political environment, where alliances could shift and new partnerships could emerge depending on electoral realities.

“Political parties are dynamic and politics is even more dynamic. Many possibilities can arise, especially in choosing political partners who are more compatible with us.

“Because of this situation, Umno must adapt to the prevailing political situation,” he said, when asked about possible cooperation with other coalitions, including PN, which recently indicated openness to collaboration.

Despite that openness, Zahid was firm that any cooperation would be bound by non-negotiable principles.

He said BN would not compromise on its core foundations — Islam, the Malay rulers, the special position of the Malays and the status of Bahasa Melayu — which were upheld even during the formation of the unity government with PH.

“During the formation of the government, these four principles were included as part of the 18-point agreement. These four key matters cannot be compromised.

“This is not about a Malay or Islamic agenda alone, but a national agenda as enshrined in our Constitution. And it has been accepted by parties outside BN.”