BUTTERWORTH – Twelve of the 13 Umno divisions in Penang will pass a resolution seeking that the leadership reject working with Bersatu in the next general election, said state liaison committee chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir.
They are opposed to Bersatu, accusing their Perikatan Nasional ally of sidelining Umno politically and in the federal government, he said after opening a Bukit Mertajam Umno meeting today.
All 13 divisions are scheduled to have their annual general meeting by tonight.
Musa said the decision to reject Bersatu is driven by the grassroots, and not certain Umno leaders or cliques in the party.
“Umno, through Barisan Nasional, agreed to work with Bersatu to form a government in the interest of the country and its people, but the grassroots have now spoken – there is no need to extend this cooperation politically.”
He said the decision to work with Bersatu was made by the Umno political bureau and Supreme Council, but there has never been firm commitment.
“Twelve out of 13 divisions is proof – our grassroots do not want to work with Bersatu anymore.”
Earlier, he described the party led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as selfish and out to undermine Umno by attempting to copy its constitution and ideology, with the hope of replacing the BN lynchpin as the custodian of Malay rights and customs.
Because of this, he said, Penang Umno will now contest in the three state seats currently held by Bersatu, namely Seberang Jaya, Bertam and Teluk Bahang.
The Tasek Gelugor federal seat is also held by Bersatu.
Musa added that the state chapter will continue to work with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional banner.
“We enjoy good rapport with PAS in Penang. We hold joint programmes, but these have been put on hold due to the pandemic.” – The Vibes, January 3, 2021
