Avoid being bitten twice, Zahid says on parties courting Umno

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that opposition parties requested to meet him and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to negotiate cooperation for the 16th general election.

However, according to Berita Harian, the BN chairperson said he is not yet open to accepting such requests.

“There were delegations that wanted to meet me and Anwar, but I’m not open to meeting them yet.

“I caution against being bitten by the same snake twice in the same place,” he said while speaking at the opening of the Tebrau Umno meeting at Dewan Taman Adda Heights in Johor last night.

Also present were Tebrau Umno chief Abdul Halim Suleiman, Pulai Umno division chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed, and Tiram assemblyperson Azizul Bachok.

Previously, Zahid denied there were any “unofficial” meetings with PAS leaders over potential cooperation for the next general election.

This came after PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari claimed there were ongoing talks with Umno leaders in the name of “unifying Malay votes”.

On July 8, the Umno chief said his stance was not to cooperate with PAS as long as Abdul Hadi Awang remains the Islamist party’s president.

He claimed their previous cooperation in the Muafakat Nasional pact ended in PAS’ betrayal.

Elaborating, Zahid said even if Umno wanted to negotiate, they must ensure their party is in a strong position first.

“If we want to negotiate, make sure we are strong first. This is the art of negotiation. If we are weak and someone invites us to negotiate, don’t go,” he said.

Johor fortress

In a related development, Zahid reportedly expressed confidence that Johor will continue to be BN’s fixed deposit compared to other states.

He added that there are many tasks to be carried out to maintain this position.

The deputy prime minister was also confident that Umno and BN would continue to helm the state administration after the upcoming state election, on the condition that all quarters within the party remained united, especially at the branch level.

“Johor, under the leadership of Menteri Besar Onn (Hafiz Ghazi), remains a fortress and fixed deposit for Umno. As a fixed deposit, there are many heavy tasks to be done.

“Previously, Sabah was BN’s fixed deposit, but now it’s lost. There were several other states that were fixed deposits before this.

“I believe if we address the issue of unity among us and the issue of restoring new spirit among the grassroots, God willing, in the coming state polls, Johor will remain under BN and Umno,” he said.

Tackle hate, emphasise service to attract Malays - Zahid

Bersatu not worried about Umno-PAS talks, says youth chief

Harapan leaders dismiss Umno-PAS talks as mere propaganda

Zahid: No official talks between Umno, PAS on electoral pact