KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Barisan Nasional (BN) has yet to decide whether it will contest solo or in collaboration with other parties in the Melaka state election, with party leaders keeping details tightly under wraps.

According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the matter remains an internal party decision and would not be disclosed at this stage.

“That is a party secret,” he told reporters after officiating the First Convention of the Supreme Council of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Associations Federation here today.

On another matter, Mohamed Khaled said the “Rumah Bangsa” initiative is not limited to bringing former Umno members back into the party but also serves as an open platform to attract youth participation.

He said the initiative is designed to make it easier for young people to get involved without being burdened by procedural barriers that may discourage entry.

“Rumah Bangsa is not just about bringing back those who were once Umno members, but a platform that makes it easier for young people to join without being tied down by processes that may be discouraging,” he said.

He added that the platform would also be open to anyone with ideas and suggestions to contribute towards national development.

TANJONG MALIM, April 26 — The strong participation of young people joining Umno through the Rumah Bangsa initiative is a positive development, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

The Barisan Nasional secretary-general said it reflected growing interest and openness among the younger generation towards the party.

He said Umno would make full use of the encouraging response to strengthen engagement with young members.

“We have received a very encouraging response, particularly from young people, who make up more than 60 per cent of applications. This is a good sign and we will continue to engage more actively with them,” he told reporters here today.

Zambry, who is also the Higher Education Minister, said this after officiating the closing of the Jom Masuk Universiti 2026 Carnival and the pre-launch of the Global Educator Award 2026 at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris here.

Last Friday, Rumah Bangsa Unity Committee member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said around 6,000 of the more than 10,000 applications to join Umno were from those aged 40 and below, including submissions through the Wanita and Puteri wings. — Bernama