IT will take just five Umno MPs to take down the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, Padang Rengas MP Nazri Abdul Aziz said.

“We need to get out as soon as possible. The government has a majority of just two MPs so if five, six or seven of our MPs withdraw, it will fall. Just wait and see,” said the Umno elder in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said Umno MPs could withdraw their support individually while those who hold ministerial posts may stay on if they wish.

“If those who are ministers want to stay in the cabinet, they don’t have to quit their posts, they can just sit there quietly.”

The former Barisan Nasional minister said the Umno MPs could be making their move soon to force fresh elections.

“The foremost intention would be to trigger a situation whereby a general election must be held, not necessarily immediately but at the appropriate time.

“The longer we stay in the PN government, the more difficult it will be.”

He would not elaborate on his party’s plan to stop backing the government except to say that it won’t be happening tomorrow or the next day.

He said support could be withdrawn “one by one, just wait and see.”

He said Umno did not make the move earlier because it wished to see Budget 2021 passed so as to allow the government the funds it needs to help the people weather the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have given our support (for Budget 2021) and now we are free to do what we want. If there is a change of government, there is still money available (to fund relief and stimulus efforts).”

Of Umno’s 38 MPs, 11 are cabinet members.

Several party MPs have also been appointed by the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional government to chair government-linked companies.

Recent annual meetings have seen several party divisions call for Umno MPs to stop backing PN.

The Umno leadership has accepted the resolutions, including those calling to cut ties with Bersatu to force a snap election, to be brought forward for debate when the party members convene at the Umno general assembly on January 31. – January 9, 2021.