KUALA LUMPUR: The UMNO-led Barisan Nasional (BN) has decided to contest the 15th General Election (GE15) on its own, UMNO president and BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
He said UMNO, the biggest party of the Malays, had also decided to maintain the decision of its Supreme Council (MT) to not have any cooperation with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP and Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia).
"We are sticking to the decision of the Supreme Council (of UMNO) ... no Anwar, no DAP, no Bersatu. There have been no discussions with any of the parties, either formally or informally. We will contest using the Barisan Nasional banner, "he said.
He said this in his policy speech entitled 'Kestabilan UMNO Kesejahteraan Malaysia' (UMNO Stability, Prosperity of Malaysia) at the UMNO General Assembly 2020 at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC KL) here, which was held in hybrid fashion with physical presence of delegates and virtually involving all its 190 divisions.
The two-day general assembly today was preceded by the general assemblies of the party's three wings - Wanita, Youth and Puteri - yesterday. Today's assembly was attended by about 2,600 delegates in an atmosphere of new norms to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The opening of the UMNO General Assembly was also attended by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, United Sabah People's Party (PBRS) deputy president Arthur Joseph Kurup,
Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and his deputy Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as well as representatives of Friends of BN. PAS is UMNO's partner in the Muafakat Nasional alliance.
In his no holds barred speech, Ahmad Zahid said UMNO needed to rise up and become dominant again by winning more seats in GE15 to enable it to return to lead the government.
pReminding all party members of the political resets that have taken place and are happening, the UMNO president said BN would have to decide which party was truly sincere and honest to form a ‘unity government’.
He said that even though there had not been negotiations with any parties, UMNO was open to creating a 'unity government' for the sake of the country's political stability and harmony as wished for by the people.
“UMNO is very open to do it after GE15. However, first UMNO must continue to be relevant and dominate the country's politics. Therefore, we need to be dominant, then only we are relevant," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also reiterated that the support of UMNO and BN MPs for the formation of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government was "en bloc" and there was a time frame to it (the support).
Touching on the Muafakat Nasional (MN) political cooperation with PAS, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, said UMNO as a political partner would continue to be honest in translating the charter and memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties in September 2019.
“Our cooperation has yet to fully bloom. But still, it’s never too late to continue what we had started with. Being with the other side doesn’t bring any gain, let alone getting more seats.” he said, alluding to PAS also joining the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional coalition as well.
He said the partnership (with Pas), which was proven in the seven by-elections after GE14, had received strong support from the people and is believed that it would open up space for BN to return to lead the country.
Currently, Ahmad Zahid said, UMNO, which was being pressured from outside and within the party, demanded that all its members be united as it was the foundation for its strength.
“We are very worried that if we celebrate differences of opinion too much, it will open up space for division among UMNO members, and even worse, may lead to factions that eventually split the party,“ he stressed.
The UMNO president said the party carried the voice of the people and consistently played a check-and -balance role, especially with the people burdened and faced with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“UMNO has traditionally been a place for people to complain. UMNO is for the people to seek solace. This is the DNA of UMNO,” he said.
Bernama
Sun Mar 28 2021
"We are sticking to the decision of the Supreme Council (of UMNO) ... no Anwar, no DAP, no Bersatu." said Ahmad Zahid. - Credit pic UMNO Online
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.