KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — The results of the coming polls involving six states must be accepted by all, especially Umno, whatever the outcome, the party’s former supreme council member Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said.
He said this was due to the small window of time between the 15th general election and the state elections.
“In fact, it takes time to explain to the public the political changes that have taken place.
“The gap is short, that is why we have to say it many times that this is not only the best choice for Umno for now, but also for Umno and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) survival.
“I understand it is not easy to convince the people. That’s why we need a little more time. That’s why the Unity Government National Convention was important and must not stop there. It needs to move on to the grassroots level; otherwise, this concept will not be successful, and whatever the outcome of the state polls might be, Umno must accept it,” Abdul Rahman said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia published today.
He stressed that in his opinion, the outcome of the 16th general election (GE16) is more important.
At the same time, he said one of the factors contributing to the difficulty in offering an explanation that is acceptable to the grassroots is Umno/BN’s collaboration with DAP.
However, he said it was the best decision for Umno to maintain political survival up until the GE16.
“We can’t say anymore that DAP is a splinter party. It controls 90 per cent of Chinese supporters. Like it or not, we must recognise that position,” said Abdul Rahman, who is a former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
It was reported that DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming said his party’s “close relationship” with BN, especially Umno in the unity government, will not affect the party’s chances in the state polls this June or its support among young voters and the Chinese community.
On the other hand, Nga reportedly said the formation of a federal government through a combination of political parties even though they have been at loggerheads prior to this, suggested that voters will support anyone without undermining the support of other parties in the government.
Commenting further, Abdul Rahman also said BN could regain the position of prime minister if the coalition manages to win many seats in the GE16.
He added, however, that this would only be possible if the party fixes the internal strife that has left its members divided.
“Supporting a unity government does not mean that we cannot be prime minister. We could not be prime minister only because we lacked seats.
“So, to regain the number of seats required, Umno must win the hearts of the Malays in particular, as the position of prime minister will go to the party with a significant number of seats.
“Umno stands a good chance of winning a lot of seats in GE16 and it will be okay to hold the position of prime minister with the combination of parties that we have today,” he said.
