‘UMNO CAN BOOST MUAFAKAT NASIONAL’
Party has strong ties with Pas leaders, grassroots members, says info chief
UMNO remains optimistic in strengthening Muafakat Nasional (MN), seeing that its strong ties with Pas are not limited to just leaders, but also grassroots members.
Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan said a threecornered fight in the 15th General Election would take place only if Pas decided to side with Perikatan Nasional (PN), which would also put them in a dilemma with grassroots supporters.
“The relationship and spirit in MN spread to the grassroots, including at branch levels and in villages, not just among party leaders.
“This relationship was carefully built.
“What will happen to Pas if a three-way fight occurred between Barisan Nasional, PN and Pakatan Harapan?
“I respect Pas’ stance, but the question on everyone’s mind is, which pact will Pas ask its voters to support?”
He said this on Saturday night in response to Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s remarks that Pas rejected a disunited pact that had deviated from its original purpose, alluding to MN.
Hadi urged all Islamic groups to “save the nation” through a new pact comprising PN and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
Shahril added that he did not want to accuse Pas of any ill intention, but understood Hadi’s comments on Pas wanting to strengthen MN while defending PN.
“I take this (Hadi’s remarks) positively. This is an example of how Umno and Pas can respect each other’s stances, where for them, PN is the best way to achieve their goals, and for Umno, it’s the other way around.
“The best way for Umno is not to be with PN.
“However, I hope the MN pact continues and is strengthened for as long as the ties in MN have not ended.
“To me, it does not help anyone to label Pas with accusations because it is its right to make a decision.
“However, in the future, it will complicate things,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shahril, who is Umno Youth vice-chief, said the Sambung Yang Tergendala campaign was Umno’s first tour series to highlight Umno as a political party and encourage discussions with the people on government policies.
He said this was Umno and BN’s effort branded as an inclusive movement where anyone could be involved in discussions, apart from providing feedback on pressing issues, particularly in the employment sector.