UMNO and Pakatan play footsie-tootsie in Perak

FMT:

We may work with PH parties, including DAP, to form govt in Perak, says Zahid

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, speaking outside Istana Kinta in Ipoh, says Umno and Barisan Nasional must consider a new political equation to form a new Perak state government.

IPOH: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has not ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with other parties, including those from Pakatan Harapan (PH), including DAP, to form the new government in Perak.

He said this move was necessary following statements by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and PPBM secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin yesterday on continuing to work with Umno.

Takiyuddin had said PAS will not be part of the new Perak government.

Hamzah had expressed the party’s disappointment with Umno for colluding with the opposition to support the no-confidence vote against the Perikatan Nasional menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

“We know from the statements by the two party leaders that Umno and Barisan Nasional have to consider a new formula to form the Perak government.

“However, any move we make will take into account all political considerations so that the new government will be stronger,” Zahid told reporters after his audience with Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah today.

*** Meanwhile ***

Malaysiakini:



Nga: Perak DAP willing to work with Umno in interest of rakyat

Perak DAP is willing to work with Umno in the interests of the people and to form a stable state government.

Perak DAP chairperson Nga Kor Ming (above) told Malaysiakini this when asked to comment on Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's earlier remarks that the latter was talking to all parties about forming a new coalition state government.

"In the best interests of the people, Perak DAP is ready to work with any party that can help to form a multiracial, strong and stable government.

"I am open for any constructive discussion. We are ready," the Teluk Intan MP said.

Given that Umno and DAP are the two largest parties in the 59-seat Perak state assembly, with 25 and 16 seats respectively, this leaves open the possibility of arguably the most unlikely coalition state government in Malaysian political history.

Other parties in the state assembly include Bersatu (five), Amanah (five), PKR (three), PAS (three), Gerakan (one) and one independent.



Meanwhile, Perak PKR chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak (above) also confirmed that he had met with Umno leaders to discuss the possible formation of the new state government.

"We are ready to work with Umno for the sake of the rakyat. The ball is in their court," he told Malaysiakini.

Farhash said that PKR was open to the partnership with Umno but only as a bloc with its Pakatan Harapan partners DAP and Amanah.