Differing political alliances at Federal and state levels could become the norm, says Khaled

KOTA TINGGI: Having different political alliances at Federal and state levels could become the norm in Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The Umno vice president, who is also Defence Minister, said political parties should accept that different arrangements could emerge depending on political circumstances at both levels.

"Going forward, there may be situations where the Federal government has a different political composition from state governments.

"Parties may form a Federal government but are not partners in state governments. This could become something normal and we have to get used to it," he said after launching the Malaysia Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO) adopted school programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Panchor here on Saturday (Nov 14).

He cited Sarawak's position on political cooperation as an example, questioning why different political arrangements should be accepted in one state but not others.

Mohamed Khaled also defended the cooperation between Umno and PAS, saying this should not be interpreted as an attempt to exclude other races or political parties.

"Isn't it a good thing when Malays cooperate with one another? Not every form of cooperation has to involve other races for it to be accepted as cooperation.

"Cooperation between Umno and Pas does not mean rejecting other races. If other parties want to join, they are welcome to," he said.

Mohamed Khaled also said the dissolution of Parliament ultimately rested with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Whether he wants to dissolve Parliament, sack someone or suspend someone, those decisions are his prerogative.

"If he remains silent, then everyone else should remain silent as well instead of making unnecessary noise," he said. - THE STAR