We may work with PH parties, including DAP, to form govt in Perak, says Zahid
(FMT) – Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has not ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with other parties, including those from Pakatan Harapan (PH), including DAP, to form the new government in Perak.
He said this move was necessary following statements by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and PPBM secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin yesterday on continuing to work with Umno.
Takiyuddin had said PAS will not be part of the new Perak government.
Hamzah had expressed the party’s disappointment with Umno for colluding with the opposition to support the no-confidence vote against the Perikatan Nasional menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
“We know from the statements by the two party leaders that Umno and Barisan Nasional have to consider a new formula to form the Perak government.
“However, any move we make will take into account all political considerations so that the new government will be stronger,” Zahid told reporters after his audience with Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah today.
Faizal, who is PPBM deputy president, was ousted as Perak menteri besar through a vote of confidence in the state assembly on Friday.
He was defeated by 48 votes to 10, with one abstaining. He handed in his resignation letter to the Sultan yesterday. This was accepted together with those of his exco members.
Zahid said the priority was to focus on strengthening the cooperation with its partners in Muafakat Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.
“We will consider all possibilities as soon as possible and maintain our existing ties.
“If this is not possible, I am sure it is more appropriate to take a new political approach.”
He said this included striking a new accord with PH parties, including DAP, but added this would still be subject to a final decision by the party leadership.
Zahid said Perak Umno leaders had already held discussions with PPBM and PAS at the state-level, adding that he would meet the federal leaders to exchange ideas.
On the audience with the Sultan, he said he would submit the party’s recommendation for the post of the menteri besar, but added the ultimate decision was in the hands of the ruler.
