PETALING JAYA: Should Umno be given the choice to form the new Perak government, it would do so with its allies PAS, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and independent assemblymen who are friendly with them, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The Umno secretary-general said that coalition would be its main choice and other partnerships would not be as ideal.
"There are other choices but if you ask me, it is not the first or the main choice.
"The top party leadership would certainly make the best decision for the people and the state," he said.
The Pontian MP said this in a tweet after party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Sunday (Dec 6) morning following his meeting with Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah at Istana Kinta that there could be a new coalition in Perak involving Umno and its long-time rival DAP.
Ahmad also attached past news articles to suggest that Umno did not wish for drastic changes in the Perak state leadership and would prefer that the government stayed in Perikatan Nasional's hands.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan, when contacted, said the party will continue discussing with PAS and other partners in Perikatan before announcing its next move.
"Our secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin released a statement representing the party's view on the matter. We will continue to monitor the situation and issue a statement when necessary after consulting with our partners in Perikatan," he said.
On Friday (Dec 4), Hamzah said that Bersatu will keep abreast with developments in Perak and will continue to stand with PAS and other allies in Perikatan in making a decision.
It is understood that Umno will also be meeting with PAS, its partner in Muafakat Nasional to talk about the situation in Perak.
Barisan secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said an immediate meeting between the Muafakat Nasional partners was crucial as both parties have to figure out how to handle the matter.
"Leaders from Umno and PAS will have an immediate meeting to discuss recent political developments including what is currently happening in Perak," the Ketereh MP tweeted.
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said he was confident that Umno would remain steadfast to the Muafakat Nasional coalition formed by the two parties despite the situation in Perak.
"I heard about Zahid's statement and he said he would do his level best to take care of and defend Muafakat Nasional," Tuan Ibrahim said on the sidelines of his working trip in Terengganu.
He also said PAS will hold discussions on whether or not to be involved in the formation of a new state government in Perak.
"We will discuss," he replied briefly when asked about the party’s stance on the matter.
Previously, PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said that the party would not participate in the formation of the new Perak state government, following Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu’s failure to gain the support of the majority in the Perak state assembly on Friday (Dec 4).
Separately, when asked to comment on the possibility of a cooperation between Umno and DAP, Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming said the party is prepared to work with any party that shared its vision of a government based on the principles of integrity and good governance.
Perak's recent political crisis unfolded following the ousting of Ahmad Faizal as Mentri Besar through a vote of confidence at the state assembly.
Ahmad Faizal lost the MB seat after he only managed to get support from 10 assemblymen in the 59-seat assembly.
He handed his resignation to the Sultan on Saturday (Dec 5). - Star
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