Unity gov’t with Umno is unacceptable, says Muhyiddin

The idea of forging a unity government between any party in Pakatan Harapan and Umno is unacceptable given that the people rejected Umno in the May 9 general election, said Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a press conference at Bersatu’s headquarters today, the Pagoh MP said he had never heard about the matter before it was brought up by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"I myself heard about the unity government for the first time," he said.

"The people rejected Umno and wanted the party to be ousted because the people no longer trusted those (Umno leaders) who had been linked to corruption and abuse of power," he said.

"What is important now, to me, is that this matter cannot be accepted," he said.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported as saying by the New Straits Times today that the party hoped to come back to power by forging a "unity government" with "any" party within Pakatan Harapan soon.

Umno MPs had previously signed a statutory declaration empowering Zahid to explore the possibility of forming a pact with other parties with the express purpose of moving out of the opposition bench.

This was the first press conference held by Muhyiddin since the 14th general election. 

He had been discharged from Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital in August, after undergoing surgery the previous month to remove a pancreatic tumour. 

Clad in a maroon-coloured suit, the 71-year-old home minister appeared slimmer and in a cheerful mood. 

He said he was able to perform his duties despite his health condition. 

"I came here to show you that I am alive and kicking. To be fair, I am getting better each passing day, while I am undergoing the second phase of chemotherapy treatment," he said. 

"I even attended the cabinet meeting yesterday because I cannot sit still in my house, I want to do something. 

"I have also met my Home Ministry officers at my house. Work has started, though it is limited," he said.  - Mkini