‘Who would trust Umno again if coalition govt fails’ - Tok Mat

Umno’s political objective at this time is to defend and ensure the success of the coalition government, stressed its deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

"It is crucial for Umno to defend this coalition government because we were the 'formula' that provided a solution to the political uncertainty in the country at the time.

"Imagine the implications to Umno if we squander this opportunity, if we fail to perform and become a problem for the government.

"Who else will believe Umno in the future if we fail to make this government successful?

"We will not only disappoint our beloved king but also make the people more disgusted with our political drama," he said while officiating the Umno Youth, Women, and Puteri Wings’ general assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur tonight.

According to Mohamad, Umno's performance in the government will determine whether the party can be trusted in the coming general elections.

"We have no choice," he added.

The results of the 15th general election (GE15) showed, for the first time, that no party had a majority to form a federal government.

Therefore, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah suggested the formation of a unity government to resolve the political impasse in Parliament.

However, Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin rejected the proposal as it contradicted the position of the coalition.

Meanwhile, Mohamad explained in his speech tonight that Umno's participation in the unity government was aimed at establishing a stable administration.

”BN chose to abide by His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree.

“Despite our defeat, Umno had a unique opportunity to play a critical role in resolving the post-general election political uncertainty.

“In those uncertain moments, we were the ones stepping forward to ensure the country’s stability.

Umno's political endeavour

“So, from a party that suffered defeat, Umno complemented the formation of the government," Mohamad said.

The defence minister also reminded Umno to accept and live with the fact that the party "suffered a devastating defeat" in GE15.

“That is why we cannot boast, speaking and arguing in denial, pretending as if Umno is sacred and extremely strong; while we were rejected by the people with a resounding defeat.

“Based on reality and our position that we have lost, Umno's leadership has made a political endeavour (ijtihad) to form the unity government together with Pakatan Harapan," he said.

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