PASIR GUDANG: Umno should not be afraid to stand alone with Barisan Nasional in the next general election, says party vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

       The former Johor mentri besar said Umno needs to take a firm stand on its relationship with PAS.

       "In the Melaka state election, it was clear that PAS chose Perikatan Nasional and not Muafakat Nasional.

       "So it is better for Umno to be prepared to go in solo with Barisan and stand on its own without having any rivalry with PAS.

       "Umno should also not run away from taking risks and should be willing to take on major challenges," he said after officiating the Pasir Gudang division Umno general meeting here on Saturday (Dec 18).

       Khaled also called for a general election to be called as soon as possible to maintain stability in the country.

       "We need to realise that the current government is a temporary one that is made up of collaboration among smaller parties. That does not bring long-term stability.

       "If the government is not stable, how are we going to bring about much-needed reforms for the country, especially following the pandemic," he said.

       "The current government was formed without the people's mandate but functions with the trust of Barisan, Perikatan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Pakatan Harapan for political stability.

       "We give our fullest support to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and support the memorandum of understanding with Pakatan Harapan for stability.

       "However, this is all temporary.

       "When the time comes, the government must regain the mandate. It needs to dissolve Parliament and contest in an election immediately," he said.