‘Don’t rattle Umno-Pas cooperation’

KANGAR: Arau Umno has warned detractors against disrupting the ongoing Umno-Pas cooperation through slander and provocation.

Its division chief, Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, said Perlis Umno could not care less about alleged threats by other Barisan Nasional components that were against such a pact.

“They (detractors) can do whatever they want.

“What is important now is for the people to be united.

“They (detractors) are showing attitude problems. They will threaten to quit BN at the slightest mistake.

“How can the people trust us again?” Shahidan told the New Straits Times Press at Yayasan Pok dan Kassim here yesterday.

Shahidan criticised a statement by MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, which appeared to be a “threat” that the party would quit BN should Umno continue to work with Pas.

“MCA must remember that DAP is racist and extreme, as the party had bad-mouthed BN during the 14th General Election, and not Pas.

“The term ‘extreme’ needs to be redefined because I believe that through the Umno-Pas pact, MCA, too, can partake in the cooperation.

“My principle in this matter is simple.

“If there are extremists, then we need to be close to reduce tensions.”

Shahidan said Perlis BN had devised a strategy with the state Pas to strengthen the state administration.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Saturday attended Pas’ 64th Muktamar in Gong Badak, Terengganu

Zahid’s presence had given rise to rumours of the possible UmnoPas cooperation.

They (detractors) can do whatever they want. What is important now is for the people to be united. They (detractors)... will threaten to quit BN at the slightest mistake. DATUK SERI DR SHAHIDAN KASSIM

Arau Umno division chief