Tok Mat: Umno may not cooperate with other parties in GE16

Tok Mat: Umno may not cooperate with other parties in GE16

Published: Jul 13, 2024 8:30 PM


Umno may not necessarily cooperate with other coalitions when contesting in the 16th general election, said its deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

According to Sinar Harian, he stressed that Umno is not tied to any parties when it comes to standing in the next national polls.

“We are only in agreement in forming the current government to administer the nation.

“This is because we need a stable and solid government,” Mohamad said in a speech while officiating the Tenggara Umno division delegates’ meeting in Dewan Sri Sayong, Felda Sungai Sayong today.

Also present at the event was Tenggara Umno division chief Dr Adham Baba.


Mixed messages

Mohamad’s views seem contrary to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement on June 30, which indicated that BN’s electoral cooperation with Pakatan Harapan will continue in GE16.

“God willing, in the next general election, we (BN) will use the BN symbol. But this doesn’t mean we are running away from our alliance in the unity government.

“Meaning, Harapan can use their own symbol, and we will use ours, but we will be working together.

“As long as our constituencies are not contested by them and we don’t contest where they are contesting,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

However, it was unclear whether this was an arrangement that both sides had agreed to.

Nevertheless, Zahid’s views were lauded by DAP, with its secretary-general Anthony Loke saying it showed that the former was committed to strengthening political stability and ensuring the country’s prosperity.

“Yes, we always hold discussions but have not held an official one.

“We welcome the statement made, it shows the commitment of Zahid and BN leaders to strengthen the government,” the transport minister was reported as saying.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke

On that note, Mohamad said his party does not rule out any future cooperation but it would depend on Umno’s strengths and the number of seats it could win.

“Some say we will work with Harapan, let’s see in GE16, if we can get Pengerang, Kota Tinggi, and Tenggara… we may not stay with them,” the foreign minister said, adding the party must engage youths to understand their aspirations.