Umno leaders call for early GE16 as Harapan rift deepens

UMNO AGM | Umno leaders have urged that the 16th general election be expedited as the rift in relations with Pakatan Harapan becomes increasingly apparent, coupled with waning public confidence in the government.

Selayang Umno chief Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican said the public is aware of and understands the political rift despite things looking good at the federal government level.

"If the relationship (between the coalitions) does not reflect harmony and the public referendum shows a lack of confidence in the government, what's more, when this government did not receive the people's mandate.

"What is wrong with returning the mandate to the people?" Hasnal (above) told Malaysiakini at the Umno annual general assembly at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre today.

Yesterday, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reiterated his call for an early GE16.

"Therefore, the time has come for GE16 to be held as soon as possible. Agreed? In for a penny, in for a pound. Since we are already fighting, we fight all the way until (we win)," he stated in his policy speech.

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Hasnal further said relations between Umno and Harapan would only worsen during the upcoming Malacca polls.

"On the political stage, the rift is obvious; even though relations in the government seem okay, for how long will that continue? After this, (in the) Malacca election, we might clash again," he added.

Similarly, Seputeh Umno Youth chief Razlan Rafii expressed his belief that Harapan should heed Umno's call for a snap GE16 given the party's important role in Putrajaya.

He also viewed it as a reasonable demand as the parliamentary term was entering its fourth year.

"We respect the unity government; this government was formed through Harapan-BN cooperation. If a partner in the government asks to hold an early general election in the near future, the other partner should agree.

"There is no need to delay any further... this term is entering four years. Three years is normal for us to hold a general election," he told Malaysiakini.

‘Better to let go’

Echoing the sentiment, Umno Youth exco Fariz Hazurin Ismail said it is better to "let go" if there is no longer compatibility in a relationship.

"We are friends, but not like friends. We are married, husband and wife, but before sleeping, the husband's eyes are bruised from fighting. So, if there is no longer compatibility in this marriage, no more affection, no more love, it would be better if we separate earlier.

"It would be better if this election is held earlier so that we return the mandate to the people, hand it back for the people to decide which party is - in their view - appropriate and fit to lead and subsequently elevate an individual to administer the nation," Fariz (below) said.

This was supported by another Umno Youth executive committee member, Shah Zanuriman Nuar Paras Khan, who said GE16 should be held early to "battle".

He further pointed to Umno's current political strength, which he described as placing it on the best track to lead the country again.

"Talking about betrayal is subjective. But we see, especially our coalition partners, hurting Umno's feelings and insulting us too much.

"Various forms of pressure are being exerted on Umno leaders. They (Harapan) need support, but at the same time, they exert pressure (on us).

"So, that is a form of injustice to Umno, and Umno has the right to state its stance," he said.

He is likely referring to the ongoing probe into the Tabung Haji royal commission of inquiry report, which resulted in the detention of former religious affairs minister and Kedah Umno leader Jamil Khir Baharom, who will face three charges over alleged dishonest misappropriation of property at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Monday.

Increasingly tense relationship

Yesterday, Ipoh Barat deputy chief Iqbal Jamaluddin claimed that Umno's victories in recent state elections have turned it into a political target for rivals and allies alike.

Before that, party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki claimed Umno was being attacked by those abusing their power and positions, including through the betrayal of allies whom Umno had helped reach the top.

BN’s relationship with Harapan, its rival and reluctant federal coalition partner, has become increasingly tense in recent months.

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The friction was fuelled by Johor BN’s decision to contest the state election on its own, which drew condemnation from Harapan.

BN is also considering cooperation with opposition bloc Perikatan Nasional as part of efforts to build a united Malay-Muslim political front.

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