Umno declares political ceasefire

PUTRAJAYA: Umno will undertake a political ceasefire and has called for all parties in the Perikatan Nasional government to strengthen cooperation to ensure political stability in the country, announced its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said political stability is crucial at a time when the nation is facing economic uncertainty and threats from Covid-19.

“Umno’s stand is to have a political ceasefire to ensure efforts to fight the pandemic bear fruit and assistance can be extended to the people who are facing difficulties because of economic challenges, ” he said in a statement yesterday.

Umno, said Zahid, would support the Perikatan Nasional government’s initiatives and agenda to help the people and the country

in facing the pandemic and economic uncertainties.

“I have also directed all party leaders who are in the Cabinet to focus on helping the people, especially to lessen their burden, ” he said.

The Umno president’s call came in the wake of latest political developments, including its ties with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

Umno, which is said to be considering withdrawing its support for Perikatan, plans to give “fresh terms” if the ruling coalition wants to pursue political cooperation through a written agreement.

On Oct 13, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, claiming he had “strong, formidable and convincing” support among lawmakers to form a new government, although he

did not furnish the names to verify his claim.

Umno Youth had on Monday called for a political ceasefire and for all parties to set aside their differences to focus on the national reconciliation agenda.

Its chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the Covid-19 situation was troubling as cases continued to rise while the economy was shrinking, which had directly affected the people’s livelihoods.