UMNO-PKR ALLIANCE TALK SCOTCHED
It’s nothing more than a rumour , says Umno deputy president
UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan yesterday rubbished speculation that the backbone of Barisan Nasional (BN) will cooperate with PKR in the 15th General Election (GE15).
The party No. 2 described such allegations and speculation as nothing more than rumours since the matter was never decided by the party.
“For the party, it is nothing more than a political rumour. It is not a decision of (or endorsed by) the party.
“Whatever we do, we will return (refer) to the party and members to decide.
“There is not a single individual or quarters in the party who can determine which (political) entities Umno should enter into cooperation with.
“It is the party that will decide (the political direction of Umno),” said the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar after opening the delegates’ conference of Umno’s Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings, here.
Present was Umno secretarygeneral Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
For now, he said, BN would remain on its own since the coalition had yet to decide whether to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional for GE15.
“BN will contest on our ticket (in the next polls). We will use the foundation established in BN, where the coalition is not tied to any quarters.
“Negotiations must be conducted and based on consensus. We are open to anyone who wants to join BN.
“We must evolve. BN should avoid being exclusive. The coalition should be inclusive,” he said.
Umno should also lead the country’s administration and fill the prime minister’s post through BN since the party is the largest political entity representing the Malays, he said.
“The post of the prime minister belongs to Umno and BN. We have been the backbone of the country’s administration, looking after not only the welfare of the Malays, but also of the other races.
“It is similar to treating (all) equally and (providing) the same amount of love if we have nine children.
“For more than 60 years, we have proven our role (in leading the country), with the party making improvements along the way.”
The BN deputy chairman said Umno would continue to strengthen its cooperation with Pas.
However, he said, it was up to Pas whether the party wanted to be with BN in the next election.
He said Umno and BN were ready to negotiate with Pas over the distribution of seats for GE15.
“Negotiation is ongoing. As I had said, we must win at least 80 seats in the next polls.
“We are ready to cooperate with Pas. We will negotiate. If not, we will contest more seats (in GE15.”