KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has no qualms with the use of the “Madani” concept; however, the government should be referred to as the Malaysian Unity Government as stipulated in the agreement that formed it, says party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He said the agreement clearly stated that the government formed after the 15th General Election was the Malaysian Unity Government, involving multiple parties rather than a single political party.
“From the very beginning, we have said that we must respect the matters stipulated in the agreement.
“There is no problem with using the war cry or the Madani concept.
“However, when the Madani government is given prominence over the Malaysian Unity Government, as agreed upon, that is the first issue,” he said in a press conference in conjunction with the 2026 Umno General Assembly on Saturday (Sept 12).
On Friday (Sept 11), Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi warned its partners in the unity government against double-dealing, saying there should be no agreements made in meetings only to be broken outside them.
Ahmad Zahid cited the use of “Madani” as the government’s slogan, saying the agreement had stated that it should be referred to as the Malaysian Unity Government.
Meanwhile, when asked whether Umno was uncomfortable with the situation, Asyraf said it was important to refer back to the essence of the Malaysian Unity Government.
“Many things today are beginning to become less clear, and various allegations are being levelled, including claims that Barisan Nasional and Umno have committed a betrayal.
“We have never betrayed anyone, and our agreement remains in force until the general election. It was in force in Johor and Negri Sembilan.
“So, once Parliament is dissolved, it is up to the respective parties to determine their own political direction,” he said.
