Umno Supreme Council member backs ‘ultimatum’ for PN

(FMT) – An Umno Supreme Council member has backed the party’s proposal to review its support for Perikatan Nasional (PN), saying it can no longer afford to be bullied.

Speaking to FMT, Puad Zarkashi said he agreed with the decision, more so after the outcome of the Sabah election which saw Umno lose its status as the dominant party in the state.

Puad accused PPBM of “backstabbing” Umno in Sabah by “sponsoring” independent candidates to challenge its candidates.

“Perhaps before this, (Prime Minister) Muhyiddin (Yassin) viewed the PN government as being supported by individual MPs.

“Umno’s decision is a party decision. It is final and must be respected,” he said, adding people could no longer “do as they wished”.

Last night, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the party is considering retracting its support for PN.

Ahmad, who spoke after an Umno political bureau meeting, said they will propose new terms to Muhyiddin to ensure the political cooperation will continue.

Puad also said Umno is a “party for the people” and its views must be heard.

With the resurgence of Covid-19 cases, he said, Umno wants a better stimulus package for the people.

He also said the proposed registration of Muafakat Nasional was to solidify the cooperation between Umno and PAS so that any decision made in the pact is by consensus.

Puad said among the new terms Umno could seek are retaining seats won under the party ticket in the last general election, such as Larut and Mersing.