Umno-PH coalition will be tested in the upcoming state polls

SHAH ALAM - Umno Youth chief candidate Datuk Armand Azha Abu Hanifah rejected the allegation that Umno and Pakatan Harapan (PH)'s move to cooperate and form a coalition, is the reason for the rift among party members.

He instead saw the coalition as a strategy to win back non-bumiputeras' support especially in the urban areas.

"Umno is strong in the rural areas but leaders, especially from the city today have a different way in planning strategy.

"Today we have to be brave to express our stance, especially to new partners since the coalition in the Unity Government had allowed Umno to compete in urban and semi-urban seats," he said during Sinar Live programme entitled 'Kalau Umno masih tidak berubah' or 'If Umno still remain unchanged' held at Karangkraf Complex on Friday.

Meanwhile, Arman Azha also intends to run as candidate in the urban area to gauge the people's acceptance towards Umno.

"There is cooperation from PH if I want to compete there and I do want to compete in urban areas. If it is possible, I want to compete in my own area which is Subang Jaya.

"The state election is a place to test a political strategy and it is challenging because it will give signals to the people and to the party whether the strategy was successful or not," he explained.