Perak Politics: Don't blame UMNO, offer to work together has been made - Tajuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman stressed that the party's approach as informed by its president who said he did not rule out the possibility of a new political alignment in Perak, is for the interests of the people in the state.

He explained that an offer was made by UMNO to work with Pas and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), but it was now up to the two parties to be with UMNO for the sake of the people.

"All possibilities will be considered, if not the A way, then we do the B or C way. The important thing is the government can return to manage the state administration for the people, especially the budget that must be tabled and passed.

"So, he (UMNO president) has clearly stated that if it is possible for the old government to remain and the only change will be (the post) of Menteri Besar.

“That is the first option. He has mentioned that if the previous government can continue, just change the MB (Menteri Besar).

“Other choices will only arise if the first option is not raised," he explained when contacted by Astro AWANI on Sunday.

Tajuddin said he hoped that PAS and Bersatu could change their stance to be with UMNO.

"If they remain with their stand that way, then the choice cannot be carried out. Today they can thinking (after) an offer has been made.

"If they (Bersatu and PAS) can change the stance that has been made as written by their respective secretaries-general, can change the old government to work with Barisan Nasional (BN), so there is no need for other options," he added.

Meanwhile, Tajuddin also reminded that UMNO and BN have shown support in the administration of the Perak government under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) previously.

"I question why PAS and Bersatu made such a stand? Even though UMNO, BN have shown support for PAS and Bersatu. UMNO and BN have shown our support to them.

"In the previous PN government, now who is to blame? It is not UMNO's fault, this is the will of the House (DUN). In the House, so many do not want the MB (Menteri Besar), there must be a big reason why he was rejected and no longer accepted as MB.

"Don't blame BN, keep blaming BN and UMNO," he said.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid in a press conference informed that UMNO and BN did not rule out the possibility of a new alignment in Perak in line with the political crisis that hit the state.

However, the UMNO president hoped that the government under the leadership of the last Menteri Besar can be maintained.

The Perak State Legislative Assembly has 25 BN state assemblymen, all from UMNO, DAP (16), Amanah (5), Bersatu (5), PKR (3) and PAS (3), while Gerakan and Independent has one seat each.