PETALING JAYA: Umno says the Johor government is not bound by the unity government agreement at Federal level and retains the right to determine its political direction ahead of state elections.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said its supreme council, which met on Wednesday (June 10), decided that the Johor government was formed before the establishment of the unity government and did not involve parties from Pakatan Harapan.
"As such, the agreement on the formation of the unity government at Federal level does not bind any state government," he said in a statement after the meeting on Wednesday (June 10).
Asyraf said Umno also has the right to determine its position and direction ahead of any election, including the upcoming Johor and Negri Sembilan state polls, the dates of which will be decided by the Election Commission soon.
He said Umno and Barisan Nasional's decision to defend their mandate in the states should not be viewed as a betrayal of the Federal government as alleged by certain parties.
"It is a legitimate, mature and constitutional democratic practice to return the mandate fully to the people," he said.
Asyraf added that Umno would continue supporting the unity government formed after the 15th General Election following the decree of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong until the next general election.
At the same time, he said Umno remained open to any form of political cooperation with any party in the interest of national political stability and the well-being of the people.
"Any form of cooperation must be founded on the principles of sincerity and trust," he said.
