'Don't react or respond to Tony Pua's statement' - Zahid

SEREMBAN - Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has advised all party leaders not to listen to or give any attention to the statement made by DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua, who claimed BN was a corrupt coalition.

Zahid said this was because his views and comments are not official and don't reflect the view of the party in the Unity government.

"I don’t want to give my views; any party component within the unity government with a differing view will not get any attention.

"I have said not to react or respond to this," he said in a press conference after meeting with Negeri Sembilan Umno machineries in Wisma Umno Negeri Sembilan here on Saturday.

Also present were Negeri Sembilan BN chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Negeri Sembilan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.

Zahid said if the issue persisted, it would create an image of a problem between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH).

He added Pua’s statement was not the basis, beliefs, or decision of any leadership in any party.

"Our position is that the negotiations would be held between BN and PH. I am grateful to Anthony Loke for releasing a statement not endorsing such differing party views.

"We hold the stance of moving forward and not throwing stones in a glass house," he said.

Pua on Friday described BN and PH in the unity government as a corrupt coalition.

He voiced his hopes that PH would be able to form its own government among the coalition components without involving Umno and BN if it won the next general election (GE).

Zahid said the party has decided to use a new approach for the campaign in the meeting held.

He said the approach must be improved, and the state elections were the best time to do so.