UMNO will not be a part of Perikatan Nasional (PN) despite forming a government with the ruling coalition, said party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Instead, the party will work to strengthen Muafakat Nasional, a pact it has with PAS, and to which Bersatu wants to join, he added.

He also said that even if PN was registered as an official bloc, the party and its fellow Barisan Nasional (BN) component members would not be in it.

“My decision here is to announce we are not going to participate in the formation of PN. Our decision is not to be a component member of PN even if it is registered.

“Our decision is final.

“Umno has decided to strengthen Muafakat Nasional with PAS and BN.”

He said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was in a meeting yesterday with BN lawmakers, stated Bersatu’s intention of joining Umno and PAS.

Ahmad Zahid added it will be up to Muafakat Nasional’s central committee to consider.

“I will leave it to the central committee to consider Bersatu’s intention of joining Muafakat Nasional if it strengthens the alliance for the sake of the people and country.”

PAS also will decide if Bersatu gets to join Muafakat Nasional, said Ahmad Zahid.

“Bersatu’s intention will be discussed with PAS.”

Bersatu decided in its supreme council to join Umno and PAS in Muafakat Nasional.

Bersatu members say this is to strengthen president Muhyiddin Yassin’s position as prime minister and have a bigger say in seat negotiations. – July 30, 2020.