Umno, BN to go solo in GE15

Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) yesterday said they would go solo in the 15th general election (GE15), following PAS' decision to strengthen its collaboration with Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the coming polls.

"With that, Umno together with BN will go solo by maintaining the party’s image that has always focused on moderation, to restore stability and prosperity for the people of various races and religions in this country," BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in a statement.

Earlier, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party had resolved to strengthen cooperation with PN to unite the ummah in a decision made during the party’s central committee meeting.

Zahid had reportedly said that Umno would only return to the negotiation table with PAS if the latter met three conditions: leave PN, sever political ties with Bersatu, and officially declare that it had separated from PN and Bersatu.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, said although he had expected PAS’ decision, the party had never closed the door on efforts to unite the ummah with sincerity and honesty.

Meanwhile, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, in a statement on Facebook, said PAS' decision to remain with PN had lifted the spirits of the coalition and encouraged it to be more organised and united in gaining the support of the people.

The Bersatu president also hoped that PN would receive the people's mandate in GE15 to form a government that would truly focus on their well-being and prosperity.