GEORGE TOWN – A political aide to Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has come to the defence of the Umno advisory board chairman, who took flak for suggesting that the party contest all its traditional seats in the next general election.
The Gua Musang MP also implied that Umno must contest seats including Pagoh, which is held by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of Bersatu.
The long-serving aide to Tengku Razaleigh urged critics to see that the Kelantan prince has been consistent in his comments, and that his boss is calling for a practical approach to overcome the country’s political troubles.
“The most important outcome is getting a team of administrators that can steer the country out of the pandemic and the economic woes we are facing.”
There is no point forming a government that lacks equal partnership within, said the aide.
“Barisan Nasional ruled for decades because there was an understanding of mutual partnership, honesty and tolerance in governing the country.”
The present uncertainty and mistrust have given root to a contentious Budget 2021, inability to contain the third Covid-19 wave, and economic hardship.
Umno has been under siege since it agreed to be part of Perikatan Nasional, as the bad blood from the split in the party since 2018 has spilled into the pact, with many of Umno’s suggestions having been rejected, said the aide.
Tengku Razaleigh, in a series of interviews, said Umno needs to contest seats now held by PAS and Bersatu, as it is no longer beneficial to be part of the Muafakat Nasional alliance or PN.
MN, a partnership between Umno, PAS and Bersatu, has yet to be ratified. – The Vibes, November 21, 2020
