Melaka Umno divisions reject cooperation with Bersatu for polls

Several Umno divisions in Melaka have ruled out any form of cooperation between Umno and Bersatu in the state election on Nov 20.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Tangga Batu Umno division chief Mohamad Ali Mohamad said the decision was made out of respect for the wishes of the party grassroots and also because of other factors which made the cooperation impossible.

“This decision is based on the wishes of the grassroots. This is our final stand, which means we will not have any more discussions or contact with Bersatu,” he told a press conference in Melaka today.

Also present were Kota Melaka Umno division chief Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, Hang Tuah Jaya division chief Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali and Alor Gajah division deputy chief Rosepandi Leman.

Ali also said Umno should strengthen the Muafakat Nasional cooperation with PAS to face the Melaka polls.

“I urge all Umno and PAS members to join forces in an effort to win the Melaka election for the benefit of all the people in Melaka,” he added.

Polling for the state election is on Nov 20 and nominations are on Nov 8.

The state election was called following the dissolution of the Melaka state legislative assembly on Oct 4, which was triggered after four state assemblymen withdrew their support for Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali.