Perlis Umno leaders would likely remain in the party

KANGAR: Many of the Perlis Umno leaders would likely remain in the party now as they have decided that they will only exit it if there is an en-bloc migration to another party.
Its secretary Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin has put to rest mounting speculation about the state Umno after the controversy over who should be the rightful mentri besar of the country's smallest state emerged.
Zahidi told theSun that a gentleman's agreement was reached within the state Umno for now that it is better to leave on an en-bloc basis rather than for individuals to leave.
He also hoped that such a principle is shared throughout Umno after a string of resignations from the party by its elected representatives since May.
And any party who wishes to negotiate with Perlis Umno must consider that many of it leaders will only leave this organisation on an en-bloc basis, he noted.
Earlier, Zahidi confirmed that some in Umno were discussing with PPBM on the possibility of exiting the party to join Bersatu.
PPBM together with DAP, PKR and Amanah now formed the ruling Pakatan Harapan national coalition.
He said that despite losing in the last general election, Umno remains the biggest political entity and the oldest.
Therefore, it is time for the party to lead in terms of wisdom and maturity, Zahidi reasoned.
He said that he was not speaking for the entire party, but felt that he made a strong point for Umno to ponder.
Zahidi also said that politicians from various backgrounds should now focus solely on nation-building instead of trying to pin fault on others.
"If the country suffers, we as its citizenry will also bear the dire consequences. We are living in the same country".