Umno is part of unity government’s struggle, says Saifuddin

PETALING JAYA: Umno is a partner in the struggles within the framework of the unity government, says PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Whether it was with Umno or DAP, he said he was “not apologetic” about his views.

“Why can’t we adopt such an approach, which is reasonable in the context of fulfilling the mandate given to us (to be the government),” he said in the latest episode of the “Keluar Sekejap” podcast hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan.

Saifuddin Nasution was responding to Khairy’s question about the perception that the government is being burdened or hindered by Umno, which is under its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s leadership, likening it to having an “albatross around your neck”.

When pressed further, Saifuddin Nasution said Pakatan acknowledged the existence of risks, one of which is the potential defeat in the next election.

Khairy then touched on DAP providing the advantage to the coalition with more than 50 seats, to which Saifuddin Nasution agreed that DAP has stood with the coalition “through thick and thin, sink or swim.”

Saifuddin Nasution then went on to mention the importance of loyalty in friendship, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He also shared his experience as a former member of Barisan Nasional, where the heads of the 13 component parties unconditionally supported Umno’s decisions.

However, within the Pakatan-Barisan cooperation, he said it has been “a real test of your talent.”

“We put everything on the table, and we argue and debate. It’s something different from before.

“I don’t want to describe it (Umno) as a burden. Even if Umno is a burden, it has advantages too.

“At the very least, it contributes 30 seats,” he said.

Regarding teaming up with Umno for the next general election, Saifuddin Nasution said Pakatan has yet to decide on it.

“The time will come for us to make a decision.

“Discussions, yes. A series of meetings have been held, we often meet and that idea was presented,” he added.