UMNO cannot bear being 'second fiddle' for too long - Shahril Hamdan

KUALA LUMPUR:UMNO people, whether they are progressive or conservative, cannot be in ‘the second fiddle position’ for long periods.

Relating it to the political relationship between UMNO and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), UMNO Information Chief, Shahril Hamdan said, however, it did not mean that UMNO do not think about the people and policies.

"UMNO's basic strength is an undeniable asset.

“Although we need votes from those on the fence, but if the vote is fragmented, whoever has the greatest basic strength is the party with the biggest assets.

"So, even if we lead to a new page of politics, there are certain things that I hope my friends in PAS and Bersatu can respect UMNO's stand.

"It does not mean we will bully but there will be some things that we will seek to reflect UMNO's dominant position," he said in the UMNO-Bersatu Dialogue Program which was broadcast on Astro AWANI on Friday night.

In the same development, Shahril said the situation that happened in Perak on Friday was an opportunity for Bersatu to appoint a Menteri Besar from UMNO.

"Previously, UMNO has more state assemblymen in the Perak state assembly session and more UMNO MPs in the Dewan Rakyat, who could appoint an MB and a PM from Bersatu.

“This is an opportunity for Bersatu," he said.