PUTRAJAYA - The decision by Pas to end its political cooperation with Bersatu came as no surprise as it was widely anticipated, according to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the development offers an important lesson that political alliances should not be driven solely by political considerations, but must also be grounded in the broader goals of national development and unity.
"We in Umno had expected this to happen...this was a political assessment based on the belief that any collaboration must be founded on sincerity and free from elements of betrayal.
"Such cooperation must be built for the long term so that national objectives can be achieved and unity among the people can be strengthened. Whatever steps are taken after this, they should not be limited to signatures on paper or pledges of allegiance. What matters most is sincerity that can be translated into a lasting and sustainable commitment,” he said.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, was speaking to reporters after attending the KEMAS Educators’ Day celebration today.
Pas yesterday officially announced its decision to terminate political cooperation with Bersatu.
Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, in a statement last night, said the decision was made in a special Meeting of the party's Central Working Committee yesterday after taking into account reports, studies and current assessments of the relationship with Bersatu.
Commenting on the Umno and Pas meeting on June 4, Zahid described it as a positive step that needed to be followed up with several other steps.
He said the meeting was an initiative by the leadership of both parties to resolve several issues and was not focused on a political agenda.
"If it is related to politics, it will certainly be further refined because we (Umno) remain in the unity government that is currently formed.
"That is our (Umno) principle, and that principle must be respected," he said. - BERNAMA