'Zahid, Umno-BN should voluntarily withdraw from Madani government' – Mahfuz

SHAH ALAM – Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar has urged Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN) to withdraw voluntarily from the Madani government if they are no longer aligned with it.

He questioned why they wanted to remain in the government while working with Pas and Perikatan Nasional (PN) against Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Mahfuz said Zahid had earlier been vocal in pressing DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke to resign as a minister.

"But before demanding that others honour their political promises, Zahid must first answer a far bigger question: when will he and Umno-BN fulfil their own political responsibilities?

"Loke has fulfilled his political promise. Now it is Zahid and Umno-BN's turn to prove they still have principles, a stand and a responsibility towards the Madani government they joined," he said in a statement on Thursday.

Mahfuz said Umno-BN could not keep enjoying power in the federal government while teaming up with an opposition that wanted to topple it. He said this was not a matter of differing views or freedom of speech within the government, but of political consistency and honesty.

"Do not be the government in Putrajaya, then turn into the opposition when facing PH at the polls," he said.

He said Zahid needed to explain Umno-BN's position and decide whether the party was still committed to the Madani government.

"I am not asking the Prime Minister to sack Umno-BN. But if Umno-BN feels it is no longer aligned with the Madani government and is more comfortable with Pas and PN, it should withdraw voluntarily and with dignity.

"Do not wait to be sacked and then play the victim. Do not burn the house down from the inside, then blame the owner when it burns," he said.

Mahfuz added that politics was not only about holding office and enjoying power, but also demanded principles, loyalty and the courage to bear the consequences of one's decisions.