Mohamad: Umno-BN open only to beneficial ties

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno and Barisan Nasional are open to any strategic political cooperation only if it benefits them, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said yesterday.

In announcing the largest 74year-old Malay party’s latest political approach, Mohamad said Umno was working on implementing a form of “political correctness” to transform itself into a strategic political entity.

The announcement came on the heels of rumours of talks of cooperation between Umno and PKR.

“To return and lead the country again, Umno will not force any quarter to join BN. Instead, Umno will adopt a ‘work with BN’ approach and provide opportunities to explore strategic cooperation.”

He later took a swipe at the Perikatan Nasional administration, lamenting Umno’s “isolated” role in the government.

“Umno must not be sidelined. We are the party that is the backbone of the country’s administration. We are among the parties that championed independence (from British colonisation). Umno must not be reduced to a reserve player.”

Mohamad said the party would not relinquish any of its traditional seats to allies in the 15th General Election (GE15).

“Umno will not be fooled by the action of some quarters using the interest of the ‘ummah’ and the unity of Malays as a (political) rhetoric.

“Efforts to unite the ummah and the Malays must be led by Umno.”

He said GE15 would be the “mother of battles” for Umno.

“Rising from our defeat is not easy. However, this (GE15) is the best opportunity for Umno to restore our dignity and pride as the backbone of the Malays.

“We should not wait for one or two terms. Umno must immediately return as the government of the day in a dignified and democratic manner as mandated by the people.”