Zahid puts a full stop on Akmal’s Umno going solo notion

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed the notion that Umno would go solo in the next general as suggested by the party’s youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh yesterday.

He said this on the basis that the deciding factor is the larger pool of voters being outside Umno.

“If previously we took the moving solo approach, (we have to see whether) it is the right step to take in the current political scenario.

“Based on current data and sentiments, what advantage do we have? With the increase of new voters, can we control their perception?

“Umno members alone cannot ensure us a win. The determining factor is the voter base out there, which is much larger in number,” the deputy prime minister said in his policy speech at the Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

He also urged party members to exit the “echo chamber” and comfort zones to face views that are relevant to the complicated political situation.

He also pointed out that there needs to be a clear collaboration to enable parties to cooperate with one another.

“When we cooperate, what kind of collaboration is it going to be? Is it a collaboration before an election, or after?

“All of this requires careful planning. We (Umno) will not sacrifice the interests of the people or the country, (in performing) whatever political tactics or steps,” said Zahid.

His speech puts a full stop to suggestions by Akmal yesterday who was not committed in continuing the political cooperation with PH.