ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno has ruled out any cooperation with Pas in the 15th general election (GE15).
Kedah Barisan Nasional communications head Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said the rejection, however, did not mean that Umno was arrogant, nor did it mean the party did not want the ummah to be united.
He said unification should be based on good intentions and not simply to stay in power or win more seats.
"Umno is a political party. It has experience as (the) ruling (party). So I will not make excuses or be shy to admit that we intend to return to power and rule. What party doesn't want that?
"But we still have principles. Let us not cooperate just because of power. Let us not hug only when the election season arrives. Where is the value of struggle and position? Where are the suitable role models for the people?
"Kedah Umno does not think that it is the right way. If we want to unite (our) forces, do it for the sake of the people. Do it consistently and not seasonally," he said today.
On Saturday, Pas election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, when launching the Kedah Pas GE15 election machinery, said the Islamic party did not think that Umno was as strong as it used to be.
As such, he had said, the BN backbone could leverage Pas's strength in the state.
Shaiful Hazizy said Pas's flip-flop attitude was obvious when the party refused to work with Umno in the Melaka and Johor elections, leading to the Islamic party's loss.
"In the Melaka election, Pas wanted to go it alone. After it fell, it expressed a willingness to cooperate. Then in the Johor election, it went back to being alone. After 'tetomoih' (falling), it invited us again for togetherness.
"Throughout the years in Kedah, Umno has been criticised and blamed for various things. Umno is like that, Umno is like this. On the eve of GE15, we are suddenly invited to work together again?
"Not only are the people and Umno confused, I am sure Pas supporters themselves are confused."
Shaiful Hazizy said Kedah Umno wanted to be evaluated and elected by voters because of its ability and determination to champion issues concerning the people.
"Umno knows that we are not perfect. We have many shortcomings and weaknesses. Umno faces an enormous challenge to rejuvenate itself and to make a fresh and convincing new offer. But Umno also believes that it has its own strengths and advantages.
"If the people are confident, they will vote (for Umno). If the people feel that we are not yet strong and ready, they will reject us. Umno will accept it openly.
"This is a democratic arena. The people are not only the referees. but the supporters, sponsors and organisers as well. And the job of political parties is to offer the best."
Shaiful Hazizy said since Pas felt it had a strong footing in Kedah, Umno did not want to "damage" the party's hold on the state in GE15.
"The menteri besar and Pas elections director have made their affirmations. Pas is strong in Kedah. We know that Pas is a wonderful party, full of scholars and educated people. All smart, all great.
"So being called 'itik patah kaki', 'harimau kena tembak' and all other kinds of names by Pas, we believe that we are no longer compatible partners. Without Umno, wouldn't have Pas declared victory in 22 seats? So, we congratulate you and wish you good luck in your job."
