PUTRAJAYA: The Government was unstable after the 14th General Election because Umno was not in it, says party supreme council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

He said that in the 22 months that Pakatan Harapan administered the country, he claimed that the coalition lacked experience, could not grasp how the government works and did not enjoy a good relationship with civil servants.

“The fact is that it was Umno’s absence which made the government unstable,” he said on Tuesday (Feb 15) after a meeting with the Batu Pahat Umno leaders on preparations for the coming state polls.

He said when Perikatan Nasional took over, leaders from Umno were at the forefront, tackling challenges and resolving issues brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Umno leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein are playing their part to ensure that the country gets through the pandemic,” said Reezal.

He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, a historic agreement was signed with the Opposition to bring stability and reforms to the country.

“Umno leaders possess political acumen, maturity and experience. This combination is an important commodity that leaders should have. Umno leaders do,” he said.

On Barisan Nasional’s preparation for the polls, Reezal said the coalition was encouraged by the support from the people.

“This reflects their confidence in Barisan’s leadership under Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohamed,” said Reezal.

Johor will go to the polls on March 12 while the nomination day is on Feb 26.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/02/15/govt-was-unstable-post-ge14-govt-because-umno-wasnt-in-it-says-reezal-merican