KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) is "almost certain" to contest the next general election independently but must remain open to political understandings to avoid disastrous three-cornered fights, said chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In an interview with the New Straits Times, Umno president and deputy prime minister addressed the question of BN's strategy for the 16th General Election, particularly its future with current unity government partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH).

"In the coming election, I am almost certain we will go solo," Zahid said in the interview for Umno's 80th anniversary.

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

He stressed the importance of learning from...