Ask Anwar who he talked to, Zahid says in denying talks with PKR

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has quashed speculation of political cooperation with PKR in the next general election.

In an interview with The Star, Zahid said his party has not discussed any possible election cooperation with PKR, or any pact, will only be brought up after the 15th general election (GE15).

“There is no discussion, not with PKR, not with DAP, not with Pakatan Harapan.”

He said Umno will, for now, continue to work with Barisan Nasional component parties – MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

Zahid’s comments come after PKR president and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said informal talks had taken place between the parties.

“Yes, Anwar and I have bumped into each other at Parliament (and) at weddings, but no discussions (were held) at all, be it formally or informally.

“Not with me, not with Mat Hasan (Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan),” Zahid was quoted as saying.

On Umno leaders meeting Anwar to discuss cooperation, he said: “You should ask him who he had discussions with but Umno has not authorised any representative to hold such talks.”

Last week, Anwar had said at a press conference that discussions were still at an early stage.

“I’ve already said it would be premature to indicate any possibility of cooperation or agreement. At this stage, we are just discussing.

“So, I think we will stick to that – that we are just in the midst of initial discussions,” he had said.

Umno is heading into its general assembly this weekend, where the party is expected to decide on its Perikatan Nasional ties and plans ahead of the election.

On February 19, Umno had issued a statement saying it will end its political cooperation with Bersatu when Parliament is dissolved.

Meanwhile, on Umno’s ties with PAS via Muafakat Nasional, Zahid said: “If they feel that they are more comfortable working with other parties, they can proceed to do so.”

While Muafakat Nasional came about in 2019, PAS is a member of the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition. – The Vibes, March 24, 2021