THE political collaboration to form a unity government will not erase UMNO’s identity as a party that champions the cause of the Malays and Islam, said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman also stressed that UMNO is not neglecting its principles by working with Pakatan Harapan, adding that the principle of “No PKR, No DAP” was in preparation to face the 15th general election (GE15) and is not applicable post-election.
“The cooperation is also in accordance to the decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the formation of a unity government,” Zahid noted in a statement on Facebook.
He was commenting on BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) joining hands to form the Perak and Pahang state governments, adding that the cooperation was proof of “political maturity” in the country.
“BN’s cooperation (with PH) in Perak and Pahang mirrors the reality of the multiracial society and celebrates diversity, which is suitable with the state’s demography,” he remarked.
“This new approach will be a pioneer towards a united and harmonious government to ensure that the focus of the nation’s development may continue.”
Zahid further described the historic cooperation as a “cleansing” process which is crucial to clean “all the dirt” lobbed against the party.
“UMNO still upholds the need for the party to be moderate, centric, and progressive in handling changes. [The party] also rejects political parties that politicise religion,” he continued while urging all party members to close ranks and to turn the page for a new chapter of politics in the country.
BN is part of the Anwar-led unity government, which also comprises PH, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), with support from MPs from MUDA, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and independents.
Once political arch-rivals, BN and PH joined hands to form the Perak and Pahang state governments after no single party or coalition achieved a simple majority in the state elections, thus marking a historic moment in the country’s polarized political landscape. – Nov 29, 2022
Main pic credit: Malaysiakini
