UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has defended Barisan Nasional’s (BN) right to decide its own political partnerships, saying the coalition should not be criticised for cooperating with other parties in certain situations.
He stressed that BN’s political decisions should not be viewed as a sign of disrespect towards its partners in the Unity Government, pointing out that similar situations have already taken place elsewhere.
Referring to Sabah’s political landscape, Akmal noted that parties within the Unity Government had previously contested against one another despite being part of the same federal administration.
“What is meant by being disrespectful? I want to know what exactly is disrespectful when Warisan, which is part of the Unity Government, also contested against Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Sabah. In politics, I don’t think there is anything wrong with that,” he told reporters after attending the Santai Ngoca Sawah programme in Sungai Serai, Semerbok, on Sunday.
The event was held to show support for BN’s Kota state seat candidate, Suhaimi Aini. Also present were Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, Rim assemblywoman Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, and Alor Setar MP as well as PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.
Akmal also said there has never been any political agreement requiring BN and PH to adopt the same stance or work with the same allies.
“There is no understanding between BN and PH that requires both coalitions to have identical political positions. BN belongs to us. If PH wants to cooperate with other parties, that is their right,” he said.
He again cited Sabah as an example, noting that while UMNO and BN had decided not to work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), PH chose a different approach by cooperating with the coalition.
“So don’t blame us. If they are allowed to do it, why can’t we?” he added.
