UMNO did ask to meet but 'the wound has not healed' - Perak Bersatu

KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO is said to have asked for a meeting with the leaders of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Perak today after the crisis that erupted in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday.

Perak Bersatu Secretary, Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin said, however, his party has opted for a ‘cooling off’ at this time.

He explained that the 'wound in their hearts' had not yet healed.

"At the Bersatu level, we actually do not have any problems to discuss and also to find the best consensus, especially in forming a government and governing the state.

“What has happened since the Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu) led the state from Pakatan Harapan (PH) to the Perikatan Nasional (PN), I see us trying to carry out this task and trust even though of Bersatu has only one seat in the early stage.

"What happened yesterday was something unexpected, without any formal discussion...

“And interestingly, only today they (UMNO) called to discuss… after the decision is made,” he said in an exclusive interview with Astro AWANI.

The Sungai Manik State Assemblyman (ADUN) admitted that they were disappointed with the rejection of the Chenderiang ADUN, Ahmad Faizal.

"To us, it is quite a clear betrayal. A motion that sounds to have condidence but is not implemented in such a way.

“For now, we take a stand to ‘wait and see’ even though we already know that PAS has issued an official statement that it will not be with UMNO to form the government.

"I am confident that UMNO does not have enough seats to form a government in Perak," he said.

He added that currently Bersatu Perak is waiting for further instructions from Bersatu President, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"I was informed that Ahmad Faizal as the deputy president of Bersatu will meet the president and will issue further instructions ... which should be carried out by the Assemblymen representing Bersatu.

"It is expected today or tomorrow," he said when asked when the meeting would be held.