Umno, BN going solo in GE15, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) have today decided to go solo in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this came following PAS’ decision to strengthen its collaboration with Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the coming polls.

“With that, Umno together with BN will go solo by maintaining the party’s image that had always focused on moderation and the ability to restore stability and prosperity for the people of various races and religions in this country,” he said in a statement here today.

Earlier, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the Islamist party had resolved to strengthen cooperation within PN in a decision made during the party’s central working committee meeting today.

Zahid had reportedly said that Umno would only return to the negotiation table with PAS if the latter met three conditions: PAS must leave PN, sever political ties with Bersatu, and officially declare that the Islamist party had “mufarakah” (separated) from PN and Bersatu. 

Zahid, who is also Umno president, said that although he had expected PAS’ decision, Umno had never closed the door to efforts to unite the ummah (Muslim fraternity) with sincerity and honesty.

Meanwhile, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in a statement posted on his Facebook, said PAS’ decision to remain with PN has lifted the spirit of the coalition to be more organised and united in gaining the support of the people.

“Personally, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the spirit of friendship shown by YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Tuan Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang and PAS leaders who have supported the move for the party to work together with PN,” he said.

The Bersatu president also hoped that PN would get the people’s mandate in GE15 to form a government that would truly focus on the well-being and prosperity of the people. – Bernama, October 13, 2022