Umno: We'll back Dr M if need be

SEMENYIH: Umno does not rule out the possibility of supporting its nemesis Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the event of a vote of no confidence in Parliament, says deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).

According to Mohamad, Umno will be supporting any government policies for the benefit of the country and the people, adding that they will not "oppose for the sake of opposing".

"It all depends on the situation. If it's needed for a greater good. Why not?

"Being an opposition does not mean that we will just oppose. We will support any public policies that is passed for the benefit of the people and the country," he said.

Asked by reporters if he would "work together" with Dr Mahathir, Mohamad merely said:" If there is a need, we will support."

Mohamad was speaking to reporters after a joint press conference with PAS top leaders to announce Umno's formal cooperation with the Islamist party at the Putra World Trade Centre on Tuesday (March 5).

According to Mohamad, Umno was not afraid of PAS' initial pledge last month to support Dr Mahathir in the event of a vote of no confidence in Parliament.

"Why should we (be afraid)? For Umno, when it comes to such issues, we make the best decision for the party and the country," he added.

On Feb 17, PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said that the party had pledged to support Dr Mahathir in the event of a "betrayal" from within Pakatan Harapan, following a meeting between the Prime Minister and the party's top leadership.

For a vote of no confidence to succeed in the Dewan Rakyat, it must have the support of at least 112 out of 222 MPs.

At present, PAS has a total of 18 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat, while Umno has 37 MPs.