ISKANDAR PUTERI: Political parties seeking to work with Umno should not dictate how it acts, says a party leader.
Baharudin Mohamed Taib (BN-Permas), the party's Pasir Gudang deputy chief, said Umno had already faced heavy criticism from its grassroots and supporters for its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan in the unity government.
He said while Umno remained committed to ensuring political stability through the current federal administration, it was not bound to any coalition beyond Barisan Nasional ahead of the next general election.
"Those who want to work with Umno do not need to raise their voices, insult the party, spread slander, teach, or force Umno.
"Discuss things properly and Umno will choose any party that (shows mutual respect). If there is no suitable partner, we are prepared to go solo," he said in his debate speech during the Johor state assembly meeting here on Tuesday (May 5).
ALSO READ: Liew urges Umno to consider 'practical cooperation' in upcoming polls (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/04/liew-urges-umno-to-consider-039practical-cooperation039-in-upcoming-polls)
Baharudin added that the formation of the unity government had allowed the country to be governed properly after a period of political instability that saw Malaysia change prime ministers three times within a single parliamentary term.
His remarks came a day after Liew Chin Tong (PH-Perling) called on Umno leaders to engage directly with their Pakatan counterparts instead of relying on "fake news" or narratives spread by cybertroopers.
Liew said both Umno and DAP had long political histories and should be willing to meet face-to-face to resolve issues.
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Johor, State Assembly, Umno, Baharudin Mohamed Taib, Permas, Pasir Gudang, Partners, Mutual Respect, Dictate Terms, Solo, General Election, Unity Government, Grassroots, Criticism, Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, Liew Chin Tong
