KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s temporary power-sharing agreement in the Perikatan Nasional government may lead to the party suffering a major defeat in the next general election, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The former party president, in a Facebook post today, said this will be the case especially if Umno’s calls for better cooperation in the pact are not heeded by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
This comes following the Supreme Council’s decision last night to continue supporting Muhyiddin and his PN administration, and not to work with opposition parties PKR and DAP.
As a party man, said Najib, he accepts the decision, but warned of the risks should things not go Umno’s way.
“I am worried that this temporary power that is being shared and positions being enjoyed by Umno and Barisan Nasional in the PN administration will lead to a bigger defeat in the 15th general election.
“This is despite an earlier trend, prior to the formation of PN, indicating that Muafakat Nasional will win big in GE15,” he said, referring to Umno’s alliance with PAS.
He said Umno, despite having a smaller role in Muhyiddin’s cabinet, will get blamed as well if the government fails to address the Covid-19 crisis and its economic impact.
“Umno will also be criticised when certain controversial decisions, like calling for an emergency, are made by certain individuals.
“We will also be blamed for supposedly practising double standards when it comes to PN leaders, despite none of our leaders being involved in such things.”
On his proposal for the party to work with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the former prime minister insisted that it is not an attempt at getting the criminal charges against himself dropped.
“The same was said when we (Umno) agreed to form PN. Even then, I have said that I do not want any positions in the government, and I want my cases to continue, so I can clear my name in the process.” – The Vibes, October 27, 2020
