PONTIAN: There is no need for an extension to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Putrajaya and Pakatan Harapan, says state Umno chief Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (pic).
The former Mentri Besar said that Johor Umno supports the stand of the party's supreme council to not continue the MoU after July 31.
"The MoU was previously signed so that there is an understanding between the government and all MPs. However, it should not be looked at as a prerequisite to have stability in the government," said Hasni.
"Umno has asked for the MoU not to be signed and I don't think the Prime Minister would have any issues fulfilling the party's suggestion," he added.
He said this to reporters when met on Sunday (July 24) after officiating the closing ceremony of the Pei Chun High School bicycle tour in conjunction with its 100th anniversary.
Hasni said this when asked about Johor Umno's stand on whether there was a need for the MoU to be extended further.
When asked to comment on the view of certain Umno leaders who had previously expressed support for the continuation of the MoU, Hasni said there was no need for them to make it into an issue.
"Enough with political play. It is now time for us to work towards strengthening our economy.
The issue (MoU extension) should not be brought up again at this juncture," he said.
Asked whether the MoU would push for the 15th General Election to be held earlier as claimed by certain parties, Hasni said that there would not be much difference if the election were to be held now.
"The general election is due to take place in the middle of next year. Hence, it will not make much of a difference if it were to be held by the end of this year or at the end of next year," he said.
The Government and the Opposition signed an MoU on political transformation and stability on Sept 13 last year, paving the way for historic bipartisanship.
Among the agreements under the MoU signed was that Parliament could not be dissolved before July 31 this year.
On July 14, Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan reaffirmed the party’s decision on April 14 not to continue the MoU after July 31.
On another matter, the Benut assemblyman also confirmed that he will be contesting a Parliamentary seat in the next general election.
"Yes, I will be contesting a Parliamentary seat. Which seat? Only the party president can answer that," he said when asked if it is the Simpang Renggam seat.
On July 11, Hasni was quoted saying that Umno planned to take the Simpang Renggam seat, which was previously given to Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan) in the previous General Election.
