KUALA LUMPUR – Umno has to move on from the uncertainty that Muafakat Nasional is mired in, seeing that its political partner PAS has paired up with rival coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) to face the next general election, said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He reiterated this a week after hinting that seats in the upcoming general election would be a “free-for-all”, and negotiations to form the government could be done after the election results were out.
“Umno’s resolution following the general assembly was to not work with Bersatu in the next election, but PAS’ leadership declared its loyalty to Bersatu and its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after joining PN – knowing the agenda behind the formation of Bersatu.
“Umno also has to face facts – the uncertainties in MN are a hindrance to preparations ahead of the next general election.
“Besides, PAS and Bersatu have announced that they reached an understanding in resolving seat negotiations for federal and states. Umno needs to move on.”
He added that Umno is ready to work with the “real Muafakat Nasional” established in 2019.
“But there is no point if it is a one-sided affair. So let democracy decide. Let it be a ‘free-for-all’. It is not a manifestation of greed though.”
He however left the door open for PAS, saying Umno is not rigid if PAS is ready to defend MN.
The breakdown of the Bersatu-PAS-Umno partnership ended when some of Umno’s MPs pulled their support for then prime minister Muhyiddin, triggering the collapse of the PN government.
This resulted in Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob helming Putrajaya while remnants of the PN government remain until the next general election. – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
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