No cooperation with PKR, DAP, BERSATU was only for GE15. - Zahid Hamidi
SHAH ALAM - The alliance that has formed between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) post elections will not interfere with Umno's principles as a party.
In a facebook post, its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged all parties to understand that the rejection of any cooperation with PKR, DAP and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) was in facing the 15th General Election and is not a stand taken post elections.
" Let us close ranks for now, in closing ranks we would be able to cleanse all the dirt that has been thrown towards Umno, and this cleansing is important to ensure that our political backyard is kept clean". he wrote.
According to Zahid, what is currently happening in the local political arena will not change Umno's core values as a party that champions the Malays and Islam.
" Based on current developments the party needs to be aware of the changes happening and must be seen as dynamic and inclusive.
He stressed that Umno will continue to be moderate and progressive in its approach towards change and condemns political parties that utilises religion for political purposes.
" Umno will always be politically responsible to protect the interests of the Malay-Muslims as stipulated in the Federal Constitution." he stated.
On another matter, Zahid wrote that the appointment of the Perak and Pahang Menteri Besar (MB) represents a milestone in the new political environment.
Zahid stated that the partnership between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in forming the governments of Perak and Pahang is based on the principle of bringing stability to the state governments and to guarantee the well-being and welfare of the people.
“Now is the time to work and ensure that all aspects of development matters are given attention to as a way forward.
“The impact of the challenging world economic environment needs to be dealt with better at the local level so as not to have a continuous impact on the state and the country,” he said.
He added that this was in tune with the formation and values of the unity government which had been the idea of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
PH and BN have formed a coalition government to rule in Perak and Pahang.
In Perak, PH holds 24 seats compared to BN's nine. Perikatan Nasional has 26 seats. Perak's legislature has 59 seats.
BN holds 16 legislative seats in Pahang, PH has eight, and PN holds 17.
Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who is also the chairman of Pahang BN, was elected as the Pahang MB after the 15th General Election (GE15) created a hung State Assembly for the first time, with no party obtaining a simple majority of 22 seats to form the state government.
While Barisan Nasional's (BN) Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad was sworn in as the new Menteri Besar of Perak.
