TANAH MERAH: Umno has once again rejected the idea of reviving the Muafakat Nasional's (MN) alliance.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said instead of supporting such a revival, Umno would remain loyal to the Madani government and its leadership.
"Jangan lah tanam tebu di hujung bibir dan jangan cakap sedap mulut," he said when quoting the Malay proverb about paying lip service.
"It's not Umno who left MN and it not us who caused MN to fall. For now, Umno will remain with Madani government to uphold political strength and stability.
"Let them be with their own way, and let the people judge them. The people can evaluate who is actually sincere in this issue."
Zahid was speaking to reporters at 'Majlis Santunan Kasih Ramadan' at Masjid Batang Merbau here today.
Also present were South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR) chairman Datuk Zawawi Othman and Felcra Bhd chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub.
Zahid, who is deputy prime minister, said Umno believed Pas has created the issue again because the party was in a desperate situation.
"When they are in their comfort zone, they start kicking their friends out. Let's be sincere in politics.
"If we are Muslims, use Islamic values in politics," he said.
On Wednesday, Samsuri had said he was not opposed to the idea of reviving MN's alliance with Umno.
He had said Umno, together with Amanah and other Malay-Muslim parties, should unite for the people.
The Terengganu menteri besar, who appeared as a guest on the "Keluar Sekejap" podcast earlier this week, said Umno, together with Pas splinter group Amanah and other Malay-Muslim parties, should unite for the people.
Following his remarks, Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar yesterday expressed disdain over the MN idea, claiming that it was nothing but Pas' political agenda to topple the unity government.
On Feb 15, Pas spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin had said the party would not close the door to cooperation with Umno to revive MN.
On Feb 25, Zahid said Pas was insincere about reviving the pact, as it was not Umno who left the pact, but Pas.
