KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno Supreme Council has formally endorsed the cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.
Umno secretary general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that Barisan and Perikatan will campaign using a joint machinery and a joint manifesto in the Melaka state election.
He added that the Supreme Council also called on all candidates not to insult or slander opposing parties during the campaign period.
“Barisan will contest 21 seats, including two seats for MCA, and Perikatan parties will contest seven other state seats.
"We have unanimously agreed to formally endorse political cooperation and understanding with our strategic partner, PAS, and its partners from Perikatan in preparation for the 16th Melaka state election,” he said after attending the Umno Supreme Council meeting on Wednesday (Oct 28) night.
Asyraf added that Umno has instructed all party machinery and supporters to wholeheartedly assist and provide solid support to all Perikatan candidates contesting in the upcoming polls.
"We also agreed that Barisan and Perikatan would jointly launch an election manifesto to offer the best possible service to the people and continue the excellent public service and state development record established by the previous Melaka state government.
"We also call on party leaders and campaign machinery to conduct election campaigns responsibly and with good moral conduct, without resorting to slander, insults or verbal abuse against opposing parties," he said.
On another issue, the Umno Supreme Council also urged the Government, particularly the Finance Ministry, to withdraw its directive cancelling projects that serve the public interest, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
"These include rural development projects, particularly rural road construction and rural water and electricity supply projects. The Umno Sabah representatives voiced their concern during the Umno Supreme Council meeting today," said Asyraf.
Earlier, Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh also confirmed that MCA seat issues have been finalised and that all issues affecting Chinese voters would be monitored.
He told reporters this after attending the Umno Supreme Council meeting at the party headquarters here.
“The meeting focused on preparations for the Melaka State Election. Clear instructions were given to ensure that everyone concentrates on the 21 constituencies contested by Barisan Nasional and that all Barisan campaign machinery works effectively to defend these seats.
“The Barisan and Perikatan National agreement has been signed and finalised, and the issues involving MCA have been resolved. We will study the issues affecting Chinese voters in detail too,” said Ab Rauf.
