INTERVIEW | After its defeat in the 14th general election, Umno must not be crazy for power, said vice-president Khaled Nordin.

He said it should instead focus on strengthening the party as a platform to fights for the Malays.

Speaking to Malaysiakini yesterday, the former Johor menteri besar said there was no rush for Umno to try to regain its position in the federal government.

"We are not in a hurry. Because I think for Umno to continue to be relevant, we can't be 'mabuk' (crazy) for power. Do not be that. Do not think about it.

"What we should focus on is how we can be a movement that serves for the betterment of the Malays," he said.

Khaled said Umno also should not be obsessed with the idea of working with other parties in an attempt to form a new government.

He said the party should stand strong, but it can be open to an invitation by others to work together.

"But for us to go and ask for others to join us, I think that is not necessary.

"Because we have a big bloc, and things might change. In my letter to Muhyiddin Yassin, I did not say that we will look for PKR. I said that if Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) (photo) is no longer the prime minister, someone else would be.

"And that time, the PM might turn to us (Umno). Then, we will wait and discuss. I did not say that we should go and seek others. Umno's focus is to strengthen the party," he said.

Last month, Khaled suggested the possibility of forming a new coalition comprising BN, PAS and PKR in Peninsular Malaysia.

In the interview yesterday, Khaled claimed that there are no other Malay-based parties that could truly fill the purpose as a platform that fights for Malay politics, economy and culture.

This included Mahathir-led Bersatu, which he chided as not having a clear-cut policy that contributes to the Malays.

"It's only lip service from Mahathir that Bersatu will be better than Umno. What programme do they have better that's than Umno's?"

Umno will not accept 'katak'

Khaled said the upcoming Umno general assembly, slated for this weekend, is where the party would foster unity among members and rebuild their strength.

"During this assembly, we can ensure that Umno has a strong and solid standing. Intact. And it should be used to unite all. So I believe that all delegates are eagerly waiting for the party president's policy speech to outline Umno's way forward, and to gather input from all states," he added.

Following the party's defeat, many Umno members including leaders from various levels had announced their resignations.

To this, Khaled said those who jumped out from Umno were only "katak" who have no principles.

"Umno will remain as many have stayed on to take the responsibility to rebuild the party.

"Unlike the governing parties today, who are looking to steal leaders and members from Umno. These parties would end up being surrounded by unprincipled toads. So where is the moral (value) in a coalition that does not honour its manifesto and encourages people to jump parties?"

Khaled said the leaders who jumped out from Umno would do the same to Harapan if Umno comes into power again.

"That time, we will get them to retire," he quipped.

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