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KUALA LUMPUR – Umno has unanimously decided not to support Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the formation of the new government.
While not explicitly mentioning it, this could effectively mean that the party will now be throwing its support behind PH.
Kenyataan Media selepas Mesyuarat MKT #UMNO pada 23/11/22. Tkasih pic.twitter.com/FhglqENbVY
— Ahmad b Maslan (@ahmadmaslan) November 23, 2022
The decision was made during its Supreme Council meeting last night, which deliberated on the options whether to back PH or PN as part of a unity government.
It also unanimously agreed to allow Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to continue leading party as its number one.
In a statement today, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the Supreme Council had taken into consideration details of the negotiations held between BN’s negotiation committee and the two other coalitions in recent days.
“The council unanimously decided to support and respect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree for BN to support and take part in a unity government that is not led by PN, to ensure a stable and prosperous government can be formed,” he said today.
“It also agreed that all party representatives who won in the election must abide and accept any form of unity government or other forms of government as proposed by the Agong.”
Umno’s latest decision opens the door for Anwar to be named prime minister, as he will have the required 112 MPs to form the government on a simple majority when added with BN’s 30 seats.
It is understood he also has the support of Warisan's three MPs as well as PBM’s single seat in Sarawak.
The decision today comes after days of political impasse, with none of the major parties securing enough numbers to head to Putrajaya.
In a bid to resolve the deadlock, the Agong held an audience with Anwar and PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Tuesday, where he proposed the formation of a unity government.
Muhyiddin later revealed that his coalition has rejected any suggestion of cooperating with PH.
The king will hold a Conference of Rulers meeting today, as the country awaits the announcement of its 10th prime minister.
Separately, Ahmad said in his statement that Umno will hold its next annual general assembly between December 21 and 24 this year. – The Vibes, November 24, 2022