KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s cooperation with PAS via Muafakat Nasional is one of the main issues debated at its general assembly today, with delegates wanting it to continue after the partnership proves beneficial.
For them, this is important to ensure Umno and its partner will continue to achieve success, which has been proven in a series of by-elections held after the 14th general election (GE14).
They also want MN to be further strengthened before GE15.
Perak Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Saarani Mohamad said the cooperation between Umno and PAS has strengthened both parties.
He added that the relationship is not overshadowed by suspicion, and the consensus is based on honesty and sincerity.
“In elections, when Umno is contesting, PAS and its machinery are there to help. Also, PAS has never fielded an independent candidate to defeat Umno.”
The Perak menteri besar said MN is not formed to maintain political power, but instead due to the awareness that the clash of both parties will be detrimental to Islam and the Malays.
Pahang Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail echoed Saarani’s sentiment, saying MN is crucial in determining the success of both parties in GE15.
“It is our priority in Pahang that MN continues to be strengthened. I have done my best, and it is now time to move our partnership to a higher level, to strengthen it.”
Selangor Umno Liaison Committee chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar invited delegates to recall Umno’s journey with PAS – including the “birth” of MN during the Sg Kandis by-election in August 2018.
He said MN’s strength was also tested in two other by-elections – Seri Setia and Semenyih in Selangor – after the Sg Kandis polls.
Umno lost in Seri Setia, but won in Semenyih.
“At that time, our cooperation with PAS was good and our machineries were campaigning together. Alhamdulillah, with the spirit of MN, we won the Semenyih by-election,” the Tg Karang MP said.
Tasik Gelugor Wanita Umno chief Nor Hafizah Othman said apart from strengthening MN, Umno also needs to prepare for GE15.
The two-day assembly, which kicked off yesterday, is taking place in a hybrid manner, with physical attendance at the World Trade Centre here and virtual attendance from 190 Umno divisions nationwide, except Sarawak. – Bernama, March 28, 2021
