Umno has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the unity government until the next general election (GE16), but stressed the party reserves the right to determine its own course in the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno secretary-general, said in a statement after the party's Supreme Council meeting that Umno remains open to cooperation with any political party, but any such arrangement must be rooted in the principles of sincerity and trust.
Therefore, the agreement on the formation of the unity government at the federal level does not bind any state government, Asyraf said, noting that the Johor state government was formed before the unity government was established at the federal level and did not involve Pakatan Harapan parties.
Asyraf rejected claims that Umno's decision to defend its mandate in Johor amounts to a betrayal of the federal coalition, describing it instead as a legitimate, mature and constitutional democratic act.
The Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 1, and the Negeri Sembilan assembly on June 5, paving the way for state elections. In Negeri Sembilan, the dissolution came after 14 Umno assemblymen withdrew support for Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun of PKR on April 6.
The Election Commission is scheduled to announce polling dates for both states on June 12.
Asyraf's statement is the clearest indication yet that Umno intends to contest the Johor election separately from its Pakatan Harapan partners at the federal level, setting up potential multi-cornered contests. In Johor, Umno-led Barisan Nasional holds a supermajority in the state assembly. In Negeri Sembilan, both coalitions are expected to contest separately, adding to a crowded field already reshaped by the PAS-Bersatu split.
Sources: Bernama, Malay Mail
