MUAR – It is Umno’s own right and choice if it decides not to cooperate with any political party in the 15th general election (GE15), said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Bersatu president also said what was important was that so far Bersatu, under Perikatan Nasional, has already forged good cooperation with all parties for the sake of the people.
“That is Umno’s view… if that is their decision, it’s their right. If they say they do not want to cooperate with us, it’s their choice. If they want to cooperate with us, it’s also their right.
“We (Bersatu) have had good cooperation with all parties for a long time and we finally formed the present government. What’s important is how we face the future,” he told reporters after launching the first phase of the Pagoh Special Economic Zone at Sime Darby Sales Gallery here today.
Muhyiddin explained what is important now is that political parties supporting the government have established cooperation on key issues faced by the country, such as the pandemic, managing the vaccination programme, ensuring that the people are safe and healthy, and tackling the economic problems.
“I am focused on this matter (compared to political issues), (it is) not that I can’t be political, not that I can’t debate – a big part of my life, I have been involved in politics. I can debate with anyone but I avoid it because the people will be angry with me. Even in answering this, some will be angry. Not that I’m afraid.
“…because the people are affected, facing hardship, have no money, not enough food, the economy is still bad… I do not know why politicians do not see these as a fight that needs to be given priority. It’s not that (parliamentary) seats are not important, if you do not win enough seats, you can’t form a stable government. It’s all right, if he (Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) wants, (he can) take all 222 seats… win all the seats; he can form the government.
“… but if he takes them all, I too will take all. Fight one-on-one or one against two also can… that’s politics. As such, I do not want to brag or be arrogant as the people would be angry,” said Muhyiddin.
The Pagoh MP does not want the political fight to divert the PN government’s attention from the main issue, which is the people’s welfare.
Mohamad, better known as Tok Mat, had said at the opening of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri meetings, in conjunction with the Umno General Assembly today, that the party will not risk losing any seats at GE15.
He was quoted as saying that Umno’s seats will be Umno’s then, now and forever, adding that the seats will not be vacated just to give another party a lifeline, and that the party will not compromise on the matter. – Bernama, March 27, 2021
