Kuala lumpur: The principle of Pribumi centrality must be upheld as an important trust to ensure stability and harmonious relations among the various races in the country, said UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that this concept, rooted in trust and responsibility, is essential in distinguishing the party's inclusive leadership from the practice of political domination.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid outlined that the approach upheld by UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) is centered around efforts to build confidence among people from all races, encouraging them to progress collectively, grounded on mutual respect. He stressed the importance of understanding and appreciating the principle of Pribumi centrality as a fundamental trust essential for maintaining stability and harmonious race relations.

Ahmad Zahid remarked, "This trust is what distinguishes leadership from domination. Domination seeks to make others submit, while leadership gives others the confidence to walk together. That is the true meaning of centrality in a plural society." His statements were made during his presidential address at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly held at the World Trade Centre (WTC) today.

Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the significance of close cooperation with component parties such as MCA, MIC, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, and Friends of BN, reinforcing the long-endorsed power-sharing formula. He reiterated UMNO's commitment to upholding Islam and the Bumiputera agenda without infringing on the rights of other communities or the uniqueness of Sabah and Sarawak.

He concluded, "I want Malays to be strong without others living in fear, and for Islam to continue to be upheld without other religions feeling threatened. I want UMNO to be the core of Malay political strength, but to be big-hearted enough to share power."