JOHOR BARU: Umno and Barisan Nasional need to focus on strengthening the party and coalition as preparation for the next general election, says Datuk Hasni Mohammad.
The state Barisan Nasional chairman, who is also Johor Mentri Besar, said that any issues that could affect the strength of Umno and Barisan needs to be tackled.
"What is important now is for Umno and Barisan to strengthen themselves, regardless of whether or not there is Muafakat Nasional or Perikatan Nasional.
"The success of Muafakat Nasional depends on the coalition's strength. We do not push away any parties that want to work together with Umno in the 15th General Election.
"Umno and Barisan need to strengthen itself first and address issues that may threaten its stability," he said.
He said this in a press conference after launching a town farm in conjunction with the state-level World Town Planning Day celebration at Masjid Taman Impian Emas on Sunday (Dec 5).
On Saturday (Dec 4), PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was reported to have said that Umno had rejected Muafakat Nasional after the party allegedly went against the charter agreed upon when the political cooperation between the two parties were formed by not accepting Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
However, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan denied the claim, stressing that Muafakat was established without Bersatu.