KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has the right to work with any political party for the sake of national stability, said Kepong Umno division chief Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman.
The issue of political cooperation is expected to remain a key consideration for Umno as it prepares for the 16th General Election (GE16), with the party’s outreach to PAS in recent weeks fuelling speculation over possible political realignment.
Razak said Umno’s decision to work with Pakatan Harapan after the 15th General Election was based on the political circumstances at the time, with the cooperation applying only to the formation of the Federal Government.
“Umno has the right to work with anyone for the sake of our country’s stability. At the same time, we have never lost our dignity, principles or identity as the voice of the grassroots,” he said while debating the party president’s policy speech on Saturday (Sept 12).
Razak said the arrangement meant Umno could work with certain parties at the Federal level while competing against them at the state level.
“At the state level, we may be fighting against each other, but at the Federal level, we have to work alongside each other. However, whatever political dynamics may unfold, one thing must be clear,” he said.
He stressed that political cooperation did not mean Umno had to compromise its principles or remain silent on the concerns of its members.
“Cooperation does not mean we cannot voice our views. Being in the Government does not mean we close our eyes to the concerns of our party members,” he said.
