Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, said continued fragmentation and disunity among Malay political forces would only expose their weaknesses, undermining their standing as a political force, the core community, and a capable and high-performing governing entity.

“These weaknesses will erode our position and advantages in Peninsular Malaysia as the helmsmen and drivers of the nation's development.

"Amid all this chaos and confusion, Sabah and Sarawak will certainly not simply stand by and watch our actions. They have every right to ask whether people from the Peninsula should continue to be given the advantage in steering and advancing Malaysia," he said.

He said Malay unity is therefore vital to restoring the confidence of  Sabah and Sarawak that the Peninsula remained politically stable, mutually supportive, and capable of leading the country's development.

According to Mohamed Khaled, the unity championed by UMNO is not merely a slogan or political brand, but a commitment to strengthening the position of the Malay community across generations and political ideologies.

He said efforts to achieve such unity could be pursued through the concepts of Rumah Bangsa (House of the Nation), Musyawarah Nasional (National Consultation), and Tafahum Siyasi (Political Understanding) introduced by UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"Through Tafahum Siyasi, the Malays can unite without having to abandon their respective identities and political ideologies, while ensuring that Malay interests continue to be championed and safeguarded," he said.

--BERNAMA