JOHOR BARU: The current turmoil in Bersatu reflects the consequences of political decisions made in the past, says Umno party Youth deputy chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.
The Umno supreme council member, who is also the Larkin assemblyman, added that the internal split within Bersatu is “karma” for what it has done to Umno
“Actually, I am not bothered about other parties. I am only focused on Umno,” he said when met after attending the Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association’s Chinese New Year celebrations here on Tuesday (Feb 17).
However, the state executive council member said he prayed for leaders who had left their parties, expressing hope that they would find clarity in their political direction.
Mohd Hairi said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had introduced the concept of a “rumah bangsa”, signalling the party’s openness to uniting Malays under one roof.
He added that the president had opened the “door of the house”, reflecting Umno’s willingness to embrace other Malay leaders and parties.
“I believe, and I am confident, that Umno’s openness has always been there. The space and opportunities given to all Malay parties can be embraced and considered so that we can come together under the ‘rumah bangsa’ inspired by the party president,” he said.
He added that unity was crucial to prevent further divisions among Malays.
“We can no longer afford to be divided. We must unite for the good of the Malay community,” he said.
Mohd Hairi also said the Umno Youth wing was open to accepting former members of other parties who wished to join.
“From my perspective, we are open,” he said.
When asked whether the split within Perikatan Nasional, particularly Bersatu, made it an opportune time to call for state or federal elections, Mohd Hairi said such decisions rested with the top leadership.
“I believe Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Ahmad Zahid, as well as leaders of other parties, are confident in their respective strengths,” he said.
However, he stressed that the timing of any dissolution of Parliament or state assemblies would depend on the wisdom of the Prime Minister and state leaders, including Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“I am confident they have their own recipe when it comes to dissolving the assemblies,” he said.
He added that any move to dissolve Parliament or state legislative assemblies must ultimately receive the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
