Politically Frank: Working with Umno is like marriage, 51 per cent trust, the rest we confront together

SHAH ALAM - Amanah Deputy President Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub compares working with Umno in the unity government to a marriage.

"In discussions with my colleagues and friends in Amanah, I often use the analogy of marriage. If I want to marry someone, how much faith do I need to have in her?

"I believe that if we can get 51 per cent or 52 per cent, then we can proceed with the marriage."

"After that, we can confront the challenges together. So, we hope we can prolong the relationship with Umno until the end of the term and we could decide later (after next general elections," Salahuddin told Sinar Daily’s Politically Frank.

When asked on the current political climate six months after the 15th general elections (GE15), Salahuddin, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister and Amanah Deputy President said his belief is that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition has a good chance in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, and Penang.

"I also think we will have a good chance in Kedah. We will try our best in Kelantan and Terengganu," he added.

Negeri Sembilan will dissolve the state assembly on June 30, Selangor on June 23 and Penang on June 28.

Kelantan state assembly will dissolve on June 22; Kedah on June 28; and Terengganu is yet to announce the date of dissolution.

"However, there is nothing static in politics. We will never know what will happen tomorrow. I think we are open and we have a bright future in state elections," he added.

Speaking on former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak pardon, Salahuddin said Amanah would follow the law.

"For me, it’s very clear. Our stand is base on the law," he said.

On August 23, 2022, Najib was found guilty of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering involving RM42 million belonging to SRC International.

Speaking on the performance of the unity government after six months of administration, he said, "Let the rakyat be the judge.

"I’m not the right person to answer this question. Rakyat will be the ones to give that answer."