Zahid needs to clarify, allay any doubts - UMNO division head

Simpang Renggam UMNO Division Head, Datuk Zakaria Dullah said UMNO members wanted to know why the decision was made.

According to him, the statement of support for the Port Dickson Member of Parliament (MP) was seen as contrary to the previous promise which had allowed UMNO MPs to support the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"Such an explanation is needed to allay any doubts. Going back to Pas' statement, they also have a basis to know what the UMNO president's statement really means.

"The explanation must be given due to the basis of the formation of the Muafakat Nasional previously taking into account the question of religion, race and country.

"Like it or not, this government needs to be supported until the dissolution of Parliament takes place one day.

"What will happen next, we will discuss later," he said in a media statement.

At the same time he also gave a message to the leaders of the biggest Malay party.

"In life, if we put the hereafter ahead, surely the world will follow. If we put the world ahead, it is not certain that the hereafter will participate.

"The same goes for the struggle. If we put the struggle ahead, surely all our obstacles will be overcome.

"But if we put our own interests first, then we will always not find a way out.

"Likewise now. If we place the struggle in front and understand the basic formation of the coalition government, surely we will find a way out and that our Malay Muslim government will be better respected," he said.

Thus, he said, it is time for a Malay Muslim party to show they are able to agree and unite not only in managing the country and the people, but also respected by the world.

Ahmad Zahid had previously said that UMNO and Barisan Nasional could not stop the party's MPs from deciding to support Anwar who intended to seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.