Umno won't go solo to avoid seat clashes with govt parties - Zahid
He said as a party within the government, collaboration among the parties was essential and there must be mutual respect for each party's traditional seats.
KUALA LUMPUR - Umno has decided not to run independently in the upcoming general election (GE) to avoid competing for the same seats with other parties in the unity government.
Its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said as a party within the government, collaboration among the parties was essential and there must be mutual respect for each party's traditional seats.
However, he said Barisan Nasional (BN) will continue to use its own logo while pursuing this agenda.
"We will not go solo, it means that we will cooperate (with parties in the unity government) but use our own symbol.
"Within BN, we have worked with 13 parties. Now, we are part of the unity government.
"Therefore, to avoid overlapping seats or clashes between party machinery, we must work together," he told reporters at the Umno General Assembly held at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), today.
Zahid was commenting on Umno's stance not to run independently in the upcoming election.
In his keynote address, Zahid addressed the issue whether going solo was the best approach given the current political climate, including concerns about Umno's ability to influence new voters' perceptions.
The Bagan Datuk MP said cooperation with the unity government can be demonstrated in the upcoming Mahkota by-election.
"The Mahkota by-election has been agreed upon by both parties, respecting the seats held by each party and leaving it to that respective party.
"Even though there have been voices demanding to contest in that seat," he said.
