Umno Youth: Rumours of Umno-Bersatu rift 'unhelpful'

An Umno Youth leader has described rumours of the party's rift with Bersatu as unhelpful, calling instead for unity among the Malay-based parties in Perikatan Nasional.

Umno Youth exco member Bastien Onn (photo, above) claimed that PN was formed to bring stability to the Malaysian government, partly through Umno's willingness to convince its BN allies and work with Bersatu and PKR elements that abandoned Pakatan Harapan.

"Bersatu (now) needs to reciprocate and show its sincerity. We should be a more balanced, united and happy coalition so that we can handle our country's challenges," the Segamat Umno Youth chief said in a statement.

"Bersatu (now) needs to reciprocate and show its sincerity. We should be a more balanced, united and happy coalition so that we can handle our country's challenges," the Segamat Umno Youth chief said in a statement.

"Our voters wanted Malay unity. Malay unity was the foundation of Malaysian unity and prosperity for more than 50 years under Umno and BN," Bastien stressed, claiming that it was an accepted fact among all races.

As Malaysia continues to wage war against the Covid-19 pandemic, he argued that preparations must be made to help the people face socio-economic challenges felt since the beginning of the movement control order period.

'Our economy is devastated'

"This is the time for unity, so that we can plan and make policies to help the B40 and the Middle 20, etcetera.

"Our people need food security and they need job security. Our economy is devasted, businesses have closed, millions of jobs could be lost for forever.

"This is a moment for PN to bring the country to come together," Bastien added.

Bastien's statement follows a recent suggestion by Umno supreme council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for Bersatu members to join Umno as a way to resolve rising tension between both Malay-based parties.

Tajuddin, in an interview with Malaysiakini, said if his suggestion is implemented, it would result in Bersatu and Umno not having to compete against each other - a prospect which several other Umno leaders have raised recently.

Recently, several Umno leaders, including deputy president Mohamad Hasan, have claimed that Umno's ties with Bersatu would cease during the next general election.

In Johor, the state Bersatu leadership has been publicly voicing discontent over the Umno-controlled state government's distribution of political appointments. - Mkini