KUALA LUMPUR:UMNO has many options in relation to the current political crisis , including strengthening or overthrowing the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, said its Vice President Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

In fact, he said, the influence of UMNO can also speed up the general election if it is relevant to the current situation.

However, Mohamed Khaled said that should be the last choice for UMNO because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

“UMNO will not gamble on security, health and general well-being of the people for the sake of an election. UMNO's priority is to form a government that can truly manage a country in crisis.

"And for that, UMNO wants it to be respected as a true partner in this political cooperation and not just a giver to PN," he said in a statement today.

He described the relationship between UMNO and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) as ‘no trust, only mutual respect’.

“UMNO never trusted Bersatu,” he said.

He added that the distrust among UMNO was because of the establishment of Bersatu was intended to destroy and replace UMNO.

“But when the country was in a precarious situation last February, UMNO supported Tan Sri Muhyiddin as Prime Minister. UMNO's intention is to give a new impetus or leap to Malaysia's dynamism.

“Especially having the experience that UMNO has in governing the country after the Pakatan Harapan government failed itself and not fulfilling their mandate," said the former Johor Menteri Besar.

However, Mohamed Khaled said UMNO's anxiety with Bersatu was becoming more apparent, and the remaining 'mutual respect' was also getting thinner.

UMNO, he added, has several times sent clear signals to the Prime Minister.

“UMNO does not need to explain all its concerns at length. Unless the Prime Minister and PPBM (Bersatu) deliberately do not understand it. Or still want to repeat the same narrative. It is said that PPBM is the one who saved UMNO and made UMNO the government.

"Even if the narrative is inaccurate, now is not the time to fight with a narrative and perspective. It is time for the Prime Minister to boldly and sincerely determine where his government is headed, following UMNO's recent actions," he added.

Mohamed Khaled said many people see the government that Muhyiddin is leading at this time is very weak with the Cabinet members who do not seem to work.

He stressed that all choices are in the hands of the Prime Minister because he understands what UMNO wants and he also knows what UMNO can do.

Mohamed Khaled said the Prime Minister certainly knows that UMNO's priority is to continue to try to defend the same government, if radical changes can be made to the current government.

“UMNO's priority is Malaysia's best interests. And if that is also the Prime Minister's priority, he should do something immediately to unravel the anxiety that UMNO is voicing out.

“UMNO will always support good decisions. So, show sincere leadership, which can turn 'mutual respect' into real 'trust'. Because we all know. trust is earned, not given,” he added.