SELANGOR Amanah leader Abbas Salimi Che Azmi has called on UMNO to honor the collective decision regarding local council seats offered by the Selangor government.
He emphasised the necessity of adhering to collective decisions in a government comprising multiple parties.
“As a government comprising many component parties, a collective decision is a must. We have discussed the distribution of seats, including for the previous state election, as well as local council posts,” FreeMalaysiaToday quoted him as saying.
The state government reportedly offered UMNO 20 local council positions following discussions with relevant parties.
Abbas stressed that the distribution of seats, including those for the previous state election and local council posts was discussed collectively and each party was informed of its quota for local council positions.
According to him, the understanding was that each party would fill its quota with its candidates, who would then be submitted for the state government’s decision. However, recent reports stated that Selangor UMNO decided to return the 20 local council posts to Pakatan Harapan (PH), though it denied it as a form of protest.
Selangor UMNO chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin clarified that the decision aimed to counter claims of greediness and demands.
“UMNO wanted all 373 village development and security committee chairman posts. We want PH to take care of the urban areas, while UMNO can oversee the villages.”
Meanwhile, Selangor UMNO Youth chief Imran Tamrin justified the focus on rural areas to strengthen grassroots support, especially considering UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and assemblyman Datuk Rizam Ismail hold rural portfolios at federal and state levels.
Furthermore, Abbas noted the need for discussions in making decisions to ensure fairness and amicability.
“It would be more unfair if a decision is made without discussion. It is more amicable if proposals are decided at the negotiating table.” – Jan 25, 2023
Main photo credit: Facebook
