Umno will defend all seats won in GE14 - Zahid

 

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today said the party will not compromise on any seats that it had won during the 14th general election (GE14).

Taking to Facebook, Zahid said this was in line with a unanimous decision made by the Umno supreme council last year.

"Umno will defend all Parliament and state seats won in GE14," said the Bagan Datuk MP.

"This decision is not only by the Supreme Council but it came from voices of the grassroots who desired for Umno to reclaim its dominance after GE15.

"Dominance does not mean arrogance, but from a need to return Umno as a party at the core of the government's administration," he said.

Umno had won 54 parliamentary seats and 241 state seats in GE14 but suffered from a series of defections at both federal and state levels.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin

Zahid's statement follows Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin's remarks that the coalition would continue with seat negotiations holding meetings starting next week despite not getting any indication from Umno or BN.

"We are not sure of Umno’s direction and there is not yet a clear statement from the party or BN leaders.

"But the reality is that we are together in the government. If we are to wait for other parties to make a decision and stand, it will interfere with the affairs of the general election that Perikatan Nasional (PN) wants to arrange," Muhyiddin said.

The former prime minister was speaking at a media conference after a PN supreme council meeting last night.

Largest Malay party

Commenting further, Zahid said Umno's victory will significantly contribute towards ensuring political stability in line with its status as the largest Malay party.

"And for sure Umno is aware there will be other parties contesting the same seats.

"This is the norm in a democracy," said Zahid.

"Do not ever dismiss the strength of Umno and its grassroots.

"The people now understand what is truth and what is false. They can clearly see what had happened after GE14," he said.

Within PN, the seat negotiations involve Bersatu, PAS, and Gerakan in Peninsular Malaysia, together with Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) and Parti Progresif Sabah (SAPP) in Sabah.

Separately, Umno is in negotiations with its BN allies - MCA and MIC. - Mkini