Umno committed to federal govt stability until end of term, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno's Information Chief, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, affirmed the party's dedication to the federal government's stability until the conclusion of the 15th Parliament. She explained that the unity agreement signed post-GE15 was meant to ensure this stability, promoting cooperation between parties while respecting their unique political identities.

Differences at the federal level must be handled maturely to safeguard governance and public confidence, she emphasized. The focus should remain on ensuring the federal government remains stable and implementing the reform agenda, with the people's well-being always being the primary concern. Azalina rejected claims that Umno had betrayed PKR in recent state elections, suggesting such assessments should be made based on facts and not isolated or solely based on state-level political developments.

She clarified that political cooperation at the state level does not equate to replicating the coalition model at the federal level, as each state has its own mandates and unique political contexts. Voters at the state level have distinct aspirations and the right to choose their representatives and government through the democratic process.

Thus, differences in strategy or cooperation in a specific state election do not inherently breach the Unity Government Agreement at the federal level. Azalina stressed that discussions on the unity government at the federal level should focus on its commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people throughout the rest of the 15th Parliament, as promised in the respective manifestos during the last GE15.