Don't push Umno to work with a foe like Bersatu, says Ahmad Zahid

PETALING JAYA: Umno rejects any form of cooperation with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia because it was formed to replace the party and Barisan Nasional, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president and Barisan chairman said working with Bersatu would only bring harm.

"So what is the rationale for Umno being pushed to be together with its enemy?" he asked in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Oct 19).

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On Tuesday (Oct 18), caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob noted that any form of political cooperation with other parties will be decided after the 15th General Election (GE15).

Ahmad Zahid said that was not a unilateral statement but had been agreed upon by the party leadership and grassroots members.

He also denied that Umno's decision to reject cooperation with Bersatu would destroy the unity of the Malay community.

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"This baseless allegation is not true as Umno supports the unification of the ummah (community)," he added.

"The agenda is even listed officially in the party constitution for the interest of the nation, race and religion," said Ahmad Zahid.

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He added that Umno together with Barisan will form a multiracial coalition that encourages the unification of the ummah and unity of all races under the principle of Bangsa Malaysia.

At the same time Umno, MCA, MIC, PBRS and the Friends of Barisan would continue to cooperate under the principle of Bangsa Malaysia, namely of mutual respect, Ahmad Zahid noted.