KOTA BARU: Kelantan Umno has criticised recent moves by Bersatu and Pas in publicly promoting their leaders as possible prime minister candidates, describing it as hasty and reckless.
Its information chief Datuk Zawawi Othman said parading figures such as Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as potential candidates showed political impatience without regard for the King, who holds the final say on the matter.
“Umno has long upheld the monarchy and respects the authority of the Malay rulers, especially the King.
“We have the experience of following royal advice, such as when His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, gave his guidance on the Johor menteri besar candidate after the state election,” he said.
He said that Umno would not pre-emptively name a prime minister candidate ahead of the next general election.
Instead, he said any decision would be made in consultation with the King.
“Umno has capable and respected leaders, but we leave it to the rakyat to decide who they want.
“We remain consistent, far-sighted and committed to safeguarding the security and economy of Malaysians, especially the Malays,” he said.
Zawawi added that Umno would continue to uphold the Federal Constitution and the rule of law while rejecting both legal and illegal street demonstrations.
Today, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also commented on the issue.
He said the focus should instead be on securing the necessary number of parliamentary seats first to secure a majority.
“I do not quite understand why so many are vying to be named as a prime ministerial candidate. A candidate will not become prime minister if his party does not win 112 seats,” he said in a Facebook post.
Recently, Bersatu leaders signalled their support for party president Muhyiddin to return as prime minister if Perikatan Nasional (PN) wins the next general election.
Pas, meanwhile, has also floated the names of its deputy president Tuan Ibrahim and Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri as possible candidates.
The moves have sparked debates within the opposition bloc over who should be the coalition’s preferred choice.
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