RAWANG: Umno continues to be a key partner in the unity government and has contributed to political stability, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“They (Umno) have eight ministers, and they hold a very strong role in the unity government. I believe the political maturity that was demonstrated by Umno helped maintain political stability and unity,” the Pakatan secretary-general said after an IC handover ceremony here on Tuesday (Jan 6).
On calls for Umno and PAS to reform the Muafakat Nasional coalition, the Home Minister said PAS should first address issues in Perlis.
“I believe they can solve their matters in Perlis beforehand. They can learn from how the unity government solves political matters within,” he said.
Previously, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh called for the party to withdraw its support for the unity government and move to the Opposition, citing alleged breaches of so-called red lines involving race, religion and royalty.
Earlier on Tuesday, party president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that Umno would remain in the unity government until the next general election and would not entertain any "back door" attempt to bring down the administration.
