UMNO has no formal links with Bersatu in the Perikatan Nasional pact, and has no qualms about contesting against its splinter, said Mohamad Hasan.

The Umno deputy president said Umno had never joined PN as it is not a political entity like Barisan Nasional.

He said its relationship with Bersatu is only to save Malaysia from the political turmoil triggered by certain groups in Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“Umno will not face any dilemma about its position in PN. It does not have any agreement of any kind with PN, including with Bersatu or GPS. It only joined the government on the basis of supporting Muhyiddin (Yassin) as prime minister to resolve Malaysia’s political turmoil.

“This understanding differs from Umno’s political affiliation with PAS, known as muafakat nasional. The coalition is formally managed through the muafakat national charter and has undergone various processes, including those discussed at the general assembly before the charter was signed,” he said on Facebook today response to DAP’s Ong Kian Ming.

The DAP assistant director for political education had said Umno will not settle for playing second fiddle to Bersatu in the ruling PN and will only be part of this “uneasy coalition” until the next general election.

The Bangi MP said any form of cooperation between Bersatu and Umno will likely cease once Parliament is dissolved.

Ong added that Umno leaders and members will not accept the current power-sharing arrangement in the long term.

Mohamad’s statement is consistent with the Umno Supreme Council, which, at its last meeting, reiterated that its support for PN was conditional and not permanent.

The former Negri Sembilan menteri besar said the party did not have any dilemma over the current arrangement.

He said it will remain the premier Malay party in the country.

“As a political party, Umno’s focus now is to prepare the party for the coming general election, together with its partners in muafakat nasional and BN.

“Umno will continue to be the biggest Malay political party in the country and God willing, the party will, as usual, win the most number of seats in the general election,” he said.

He said as the biggest Malay political party, Umno will contest in seats it has traditionally contested.

“Umno’s strength is in the Malay heartlands and it will strengthen its influence, visibility and services in all areas.

“God willing, with the support of millions of members, Malays and all Malaysians, Umno will work hard to win as many seats as possible,” he said.

He said only then could Umno resume its pre-eminent role and become the majority party to lead the government as before. – April 25, 2020.