'Drowning' Umno working with Harapan to survive - Mat Hasan

PELANGAI BY-ELECTION | In these deep political waters, “drowning” Umno had to look for a life raft to make it safe to shore and according to Mohamad Hasan, this is the reason the party decided to work with Pakatan Harapan.

This partnership will ensure the party’s survival until the next general election, the Umno deputy president said at a ceramah in Felda Chemomoi, Bentong last night, adding that Umno’s main objective now is to strengthen the party in preparation for GE16.

By the time it is called, he told BN supporters, Umno will be able to reassess its strength and decide whether they still need a partner or otherwise.

Mohamad (above) likened Umno to a “drowning man”, whom he said must grab whatever chance he can to stay alive.

"Our main target is 2027, because GE16 must be called by May of that year. When we come to that, we will assess our party again, whether we have become very strong, or if we can stand on our own, and whether we need to rely on partners or not.

"We assess ourselves when we come to that point. Don't do it now, because we are definitely not strong and we need partners.

"It is like we are drowning. What we should do when we are drowning is to stay afloat, swim to the nearest island or river bank, and save ourselves.

"We dry our shirt and nurse ourselves back to health first, and only then we decide on what we are going to do next," he told the crowd of some 300 people.

Mohamad was speaking at a 'Sembang Santai' programme to campaign for BN candidate Amizar Abu Adam, who is running for the Pelangai state seat.

‘PAS to blame’

Earlier in his speech, the defence minister was explaining to Pelangai voters and BN supporters the coalition's decision to form a unity government with Harapan, which used to be its arch-nemesis.

BN only agreed to work with Harapan out of respect for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's advice for parties to form a coalition government, after last year's general polls resulted in no party having the majority, Mohamad said.

He blamed the major losses BN suffered in GE15 on PAS, which he said had betrayed its promise to work together when the Islamist party chose Bersatu as a partner.

"What we are doing now is so that the party can rise again. There is no use if we stay outside the government.

"By being part of the government, we can do many things. We can manage many agendas. So, do not get this wrong," the Rembau MP added.

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