BN IS reportedly aiming to field candidates in no fewer than 115 parliamentary constituencies in GE16 as part of a strategy to reclaim leadership of the federal government.
According to sources, the plan was outlined by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently.
Zahid emphasised that BN must avoid being perceived as a secondary political force.
Contesting at least 115 seats, he said, would demonstrate the coalition’s strength and seriousness in returning to power.
Netizens, however, appear unconvinced of his ambitions for the party.
PRU16: BN sasar 115 kerusi, sedia kembali kuasai Putrajaya? – Sumber https://t.co/1rqCMzcFqM
— Malaysiakini (BM) (@mkini_bm) March 2, 2026
Comments in the news post by Malaysiakini suggests that perhaps, UMNO should aim for lower.
“Even if they get 10, it is a blessing,” said @WarriorK31136 while @t_lean_hin sarcastically suggested they try for 222 chairs instead.
“This is a dream. As long as BN sits with PH, to even compete for 100 is tough,” added @KacangEnche.
A very frustrated @JZabidin pointed out that people should boycott the next general election instead.
Check out the biting photo comments too:
Meanwhile, Zahid also warned that fielding candidates in too few constituencies could send the wrong signal to Malay voters, potentially creating the perception that UMNO is reluctant to challenge DAP and prepared to relinquish BN’s traditional seats to PH.
The reported push for BN to contest 115 seats marks a notable shift from Zahid’s earlier stance, which had openly backed cooperation with PH. —Mar 2, 2026
Main image: Bernama
