KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s Supreme Council’s decision to sever ties with Perikatan Nasional ally Bersatu was made at the behest of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Umno said the prime minister had requested Umno make clear its stand on the political cooperation with Bersatu.
In a statement issued by Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, the party said this was discussed in a special meeting with Bersatu and PAS on February 15, with each party represented by five of their top leaders.
Umno added that this was conveyed ahead of seat negotiation talks for the next general election.
Following this, the Umno Supreme Council had on February 19 met to discuss Muhyiddin’s request.
The council unanimously decided that Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would write to Muhyiddin stating:
- No cooperation with Bersatu for GE15
- The alliance with the Perikatan Nasional government will continue until the dissolution of Parliament
Kenyataan Media SUA #UMNO DS @ahmadmaslan berhubung kerjasama dengan PPBM #PRU15
— Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (@DrZahidHamidi) March 4, 2021
Sila viralkan... pic.twitter.com/xSgj6hWwal
Umno said the decision was made taking into account grassroots sentiments, and the party weighed the pros and cons of being in government while the people are facing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On March 2, Umno veteran Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah had urged the Supreme Council to hold an emergency meeting to decide on its cooperation with Bersatu, pointing to the demands put forth by 147 branch reps.
However, Ketereh MP Tan Sri Annuar Musa yesterday countered that any decision should be made during the party’s general assembly.
The Umno assembly is scheduled to meet on March 27 and 28. – The Vibes, March 4, 2021
