Perikatan will not withdraw support for PM despite Umno's stand on Melaka election, says Ahmad Faizal

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional will not withdraw support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob despite the clash of candidates with Umno in the Melaka state election in November, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

The Perikatan deputy chairman said the current government administration is running smoothly in line with the spirit of the Malaysian Family which highlights the interests and well-being of the people.

"It did not even cross our minds (of pulling the support for the Prime Minister) because we see that the government is doing well, even the idea of the Malaysian Family is being worked on vigorously.

"We see everything going very well, InsyaAllah we will continue and ask Allah SWT to make our affairs easier," he was quoted saying by Sinar Harian on Sunday (Oct 24).

Meanwhile, the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president said that the most important thing for Perikatan is to ensure that the Malay votes are not divided.

He also added that the establishment of a new government in Melaka should be formed by those who really want to serve the rakyat and not for their own benefits.

"I think that any party that intends to split the Malay votes has bad intentions. We are not sure whether the decision made (Umno contesting on their own) will hamper the party's chances in the Melaka state election," Ahmad Faizal said.

He also reiterated the stand that Perikatan is always open to cooperating with any parties especially Umno which he said shared the same goal of developing the country.

However, he added that the decision depended on the party's objectives and intentions whether to continue the agreement and cooperation with Perikatan or otherwise.

“I see the relationship with Umno leaders of different levels, especially in the Cabinet, is very good and I am confident this relationship can continue.

"Maybe there are some leaders who are not very keen to work together, maybe one or two people are a bit confused about the agenda that should be brought forward," he said.

Earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the party would not cooperate with Bersatu in the Melaka election.

However, the party's decision to contest on their own ticket has not been finalised yet by its supreme council.