Mixed reaction from Umno leaders

PETALING JAYA: Umno leaders offered mixed responses over the decision by former political allies in Sarawak to leave Barisan Nasional.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor described their departure as a “sad day” for Barisan.

“I suppose that after the polls, these parties were looking for a new direction. This is the reality in politics. Sometimes when you lose, you lose everything,” he said.

On the fate of Barisan, Tengku Adnan, who is also the Barisan secretary-general, said the remaining component parties had yet to decide on their next move.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin called on party members and other Barisan component parties to accept the decision of PBB, SUPP, PRS and PDP to leave the coalition.

“We must not be offended. Today signals a new start in political relations between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

“This relationship must be built based on understanding and the true meaning of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which must be respected for the people’s sake, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa said he could not comment at length as the matter was not brought to his attention.

Asked if he was sad about the departure of the Sarawak parties, he replied: “There is no sadness, this is a normal part of politics.”