UMNO is committed to reinforcing and safeguarding the coalition government, as stated by the party’s secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
“The supreme council also attests that all (UMNO) MPs and assemblypersons will support the party’s stance to support the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the Prime Minister (PM), and the leader of the coalition government,” Asyraf said in a statement last night (Dec 6).
As part of their strategic initiatives, Asyraf announced plans to organise a coalition government convention in all states, beginning in January. This move is anticipated to further consolidate the party’s position and foster unity within the coalition.
Moreover, UMNO’s future electoral strategy has been a topic of recent discussion with its Supreme Council member Datuk Isham Jalil proposing renewed collaboration with PAS for the upcoming general election.
Isham’s suggestion stemmed from PAS vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s substantial victory in the Kemaman by-election, leading some to speculate about his potential ascent to the prime ministership.
However, this proposal faced dissent within UMNO ranks, notably from fellow Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi, who urged party members to focus on the future and discouraged any contemplation of a reunion with PAS.
UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also weighed in on the matter, asserting that the party remains unprepared to rekindle cooperation with PAS. This stance follows PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man’s statement, noting that any potential collaboration should occur through the Perikatan Nasional (PN) platform, which includes Bersatu. – Dec 7, 2023
