Azmin wants to discuss 13 defectors' seats with Umno

 

Perikatan Nasional (PN) information chief Azmin Ali wants Umno back at the negotiating table to discuss the party's traditional seats that it originally won in the 14th general election (GE14).

The issue is said to have affected the relationship between Umno and Bersatu after 13 constituencies Umno won in GE14 fell to Bersatu due to defections.

BN had previously warned that it would defend all its traditional seats whether it won them in GE14 or through by-elections.

Azmin, however, believed that it is inappropriate to sacrifice a government and political cooperation just because of seat disputes.

"What is being disputed are the 13 seats, but we don't have a problem with the balance of 209 seats.

"I didn't say that there's no problem with these 13 seats. But if they (Umno) demand the seats, then let's discuss.

"Just because of these 13 parliamentary seats, the entire government (might) collapse. I think it's not fair," he said in an interview with Sinar Harian recently.

The parliamentary seats that were originally won by Umno in the last general election but later became Bersatu's include Tasek Gelugor (Shabudin Yahaya), Bagan Serai (Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali), Larut (Hamzah Zainudin), Bukit Gantang (Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz), Sabak Bernam (Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh), Masjid Tanah (Mas Ermieyati Samsudin), Mersing (Abdul Latiff Ahmad), Jeli (Mustapa Mohamed), Tanah Merah (Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz), Hulu Terengganu (Rosol Wahid), Beaufort (Azizah Mohd Dun), Beluran (Ronald Kiandee), Kudat (Abd Rahim Bakri), Libaran (Zakaria Mohd Edris), and Sipitang (Yamani Hafez Musa).

Azmin, who is also PN elections director, said the coalition already has a formula on the seat distribution for GE15.

"We respect and will defend the incumbent seats. For instance, Pagoh was won by Bersatu and will then remain with Bersatu.

"Marang was won by PAS, so will remain with PAS. On candidates, it's up to the respective party.

"As for seats which we lost, we will discuss and scrutinise each party's strength," he added.

Umno had relayed its decision to cut ties with PN and only support the government until Parliament is dissolved.

Bersatu, on the other hand, said that it would strengthen ties with its allies within the PN coalition.

Meanwhile, Umno elections director Tajuddin Abdul Rahman indicated that the party will not entertain Azmin's suggestion for negotiation.

"Umno's stance is that we want back all the defected seats. That being said, there's no negotiation," he told Sinar Harian. - Mkini