MUAR: It is UMNO's own right and choice if it decides not to cooperate with any political party in the 15th General Election (GE15), said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president also said what was important was that so far Bersatu, under Perikatan Nasional, had already forged good cooperation with all parties for the sake of the people.
"That is UMNO's view... if that is their decision, it's their right. If they say they do not want to cooperate with us, it's their choice. If they want to cooperate with us, it's also their right.
"We (Bersatu) have had good cooperation with all parties for a long time and we finally formed the present government. The important thing is how we face the future," he told reporters after launching the first phase of the Pagoh Special Economic Zone at the Sime Darby Sales Gallery here today.
Muhyiddin explained that what was important now was that the political parties supporting the government had established cooperation on the key issues faced by the country, such as COVID-19, managing the vaccination programme, ensuring that the people are safe and healthy as well as tackling the economic problems.
"I am focused on this matter (compared to political issues), (it's) not that I can't be political, not that I can't debate, a big part of my life I have been involved in politics. I can debate with anyone but I avoid it because the people will be angry with me. Even in answering this, some will be angry. Not that I'm afraid.
"... because the people are affected, facing hardship, have no money, not enough food, the economy is still bad... I do not know why politicians do not see these as a fight that needs to be given priority. It's not that (parliamentary) seats are not important, if you do not win enough seats, you can't form a stable government. It's all right, if he wants, take all 222 seats... win all the seats, he can form the government.
"... but if he takes them all, I too will take all. Fight one to one or one against two also can... that's politics. As such, I do not want to brag, be arrogant as the people will be angry," said Muhyiddin.
The Pagoh MP does not want the political fight to divert the PN government's attention from the main issue, which is the people's welfare.
UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan had said at the opening of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri meetings in conjunction with the UMNO General Assembly today that the party would not risk losing any seats at GE15.
He was quoted to have said that UMNO's seats will be UMNO's then, now and forever, adding that the seats would not be vacated just to give some other party a lifeline as well as it would not give in on the matter.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Mar 27 2021
It is UMNO's own right and choice if it decides not to cooperate with any political party in the 15th General Election (GE15), said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. - BERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
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.