Exclude DAP in coalition move, says Johor Umno

JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Umno has taken the stand that any political coalition put together to form the new federal government should not involve DAP.

Johor Umno chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad said in a statement yesterday they supported the “No Anwar, No DAP” decision taken at the Umno general assembly previously.

The Benut state assemblyman said the party accepted and respected the people’s decision in the 15th general election (GE15) on Saturday.

The GE15 results were very clear, reflecting the people’s maturity in embracing the culture of democracy in Malaysia, he added.

“For now, the priority of political parties in Malaysia is to form a political coalition that is functioning to form a government that is able to deal with future social and economic challenges.

“As such, Johor Umno’s stand is that any political coalition that is formed need not involve DAP,” said Hasni, who won the Simpang Renggam parliamentary seat.

Hasni, who is also Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, believes that Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would take responsibility in a clear and principled manner for the sake of the party’s continuity and Malay interests in general following the GE15 results.

“Voters’ confidence in Umno needs to be quickly restored for the party to regain the support of all Malaysians,” said the former Johor mentri besar.

Hasni, who was also Johor BN election director, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Umno and BN machinery in Johor for their hard work that contributed to victories of Johor BN candidates in GE15. – Bernama