KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 – Party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hit out at bad propaganda blaming Umno over the political fiasco in Melaka.

The allegation, he said is irritational because Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) and Independent representatives are also involved. Four representatives – two from Umno and each from PPBM and the Independent were involved.

“What happened was due to internal problems in Melaka and it involved elected representatives from several known parties,” he said in a statement via his Facebook.

However, as mentioned by Umno Election Director Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan after meeting party members in Melaka, the damage has been done, and the party must be prepared for the State Election (PRN) if it is set by the Election Commission (EC).

“I had said in the Dewan Rakyat that if it is true that the Melaka government has collapsed, we should return the mandate to the people.

“But I did not comment more at that time because the time was limited while many other people’s matterneeded to be brought to the attention of the assembly. During a press conference at the Parliament building I have given more details.”

He said, although the best way to address the crisis in Melaka is by holding a PRN, it still need to take into account other factors.

“Therefore, it’s up to the EC after holding discussions with the National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Health (KKM) and until then, the Chief Minister will head the ‘caretaker government’,” he said.