Bersatu to discuss Umno’s decision to stop cooperation

Bersatu says it will discuss Umno’s decision not to cooperate in the next polls, confirming a letter to that effect sent by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to its leader, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a statement, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said the party took note of the Umno Supreme Council’s decision against cooperation in the 15th general election as well as its conclusion that Umno’s status in the government would remain only until the dissolution of Parliament.

“Bersatu’s stand will be decided in a Supreme Council meeting today, March 4, and that stand will be discussed at a Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council meeting as well with other component parties namely PAS, STAR, SAPP and Gerakan.”

The letter from Zahid, dated Feb 26, said Umno’s decision had been made in a Supreme Council meeting in Janda Baik on Feb 19.

Umno’s former secretary-general Annuar Musa had hit out at the move, saying party members deserve to be informed of any such decision by their leaders.

He also questioned the rationale behind the purported decision which was made prior to the party’s general assembly.

“Members should be informed if the decision made by the Umno Supreme Council is final. If so, we have the right to know the rationale behind the decision, especially when the election date is yet to be announced,” he said.

He likewise questioned Umno’s position in the next polls, asking if the party would form a new coalition or cooperate with other parties.

Umno’s annual general assembly is scheduled to take place on March 27 and 28.