KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 – Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed allegations by some quarters labelling Umno of subscribing to social cohesion in rejecting unification with Perikatan Nasional (PN).
He also described the ‘asabiyyah’ accusation hurled against the party in run-up to the Johor State Election (PRN) as very rude and not factual.
“We understand that they are actually disappointed that Umno refused their wishes to work with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu). The real fact is that Umno never rejected honesty, sincerity and true unity.
“Umno and BN component parties have been united and working together since long to govern this country. Isn’t that unity? While the BN opponents who have been said to have forged unity among themselves several times had never ended well.
“They are not honest and sincere because of greed for power and position. We cannot be blind folded with a political cooperation like this. Cooperation needs mutual understanding and agreement,” he said in a FB posting.
The BN chairman added that those who made the allegation may also have forgotten that Umno is one of the BN component parties comprising of various races and religions.
“For decades, Umno, MCA, MIC and other parties have co-governed Malaysia, what is asabiyyah (social cohesion)? Was there any element of asabiyyah under BN’s rule when the people live in peace and prosperity?” his asked.
Zahid also gave the main reason why Umno refused to cooperate with Bersatu.
“They are dishonest and insincere. In fact, many of their actions clearly show a bad agenda against Umno despite the unity propaganda. In conclusion, no one is trying to fool anyone in the matter.
“On the other hand, it is only Umno’s ability in assessing risk and threat as well as cost and benefit . Unity must be built on the spirit of sincere understanding and because of their own interests,” he said.
