KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Najib Razak has admitted to suggesting at today’s Barisan Nasional meeting that Umno cooperate with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on the condition that DAP is not in the picture.
The former prime minister, in a Facebook post night, said this is one of two proposals he put forth, with the first being for Umno to push for a fixed general election date once the Covid-19 threat is contained.
“If the first suggestion (for fresh elections) is rejected by Perikatan Nasional, then Umno should be open to negotiations with other political parties, including Anwar’s party, if Umno remains unhappy with its treatment in the PN government.
“However, my suggestion comes with the condition that the cooperation with Anwar must not involve DAP. This was made clear several times during today’s meet.”
He dismissed a media report claiming he pressured Umno MPs to support Anwar as prime minister, saying he only proposed cooperation with the opposition leader.
There is no reason the suggestion cannot be realised, said the Pekan MP, seeing as to how Umno worked with rival Bersatu, which welcomed crossovers from the BN lynchpin, in February to form PN.
“We worked together with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali in February, so why can’t we negotiate with Anwar for a conditional cooperation until the 15th general election?”
The other conditions include allowing Umno to play a role in determining the direction of the economy, said Najib.
He said this will allow the party and new government to come up with aid and stimulus packages that are more effective.
“This includes extending the loan moratorium, as well as expediting a special aid package for Sabah, which is in dire need of help,” he said, noting how the state has yet to receive such assistance despite being hard hit by the third Covid-19 wave.
The Vibes earlier reported sources as saying Najib urged BN to back Anwar during a meeting of the pact’s leaders this afternoon.
Muhyiddin’s tenure as prime minister has been the subject of doubt and scrutiny after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday rejected his bid for emergency rule.
On his proposal for Umno to push for fresh elections once the virus crisis is over, Najib said it is the same stand taken by the party when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned in February, although it eventually decided to work with Bersatu.
“I believe this is the best choice for the country, because PN’s slim majority is the reason for the current political instability.
“This will also affect investor confidence, as they will be worried about investing (in Malaysia) if the government can be toppled at any time.” – The Vibes, October 26, 2020
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