REMBAU: Umno is taking an open approach and it will not reject any negotiation on seats for the 15th General Election (GE15), said its deputy-president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said Umno's stand is that it will contest no less than 96 seats, including 55 Parliament seats that it had won in the 14th General Election (GE14).
"We cannot expect (be dependent on) others but in situations that required support, we can value add to strengthen the party.
"However, if they (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia - Bersatu) agree with our view at the negotiation which will be held later and if all parties are satisfied with the proposals or views given, that is better and we do not have to completely reject (the negotiations).
"The party however will make a decision on it (seat allocation)," Mohamad who is the Rantau state assemblyman said.
He told this to reporters after opening the Rembau Umno Division delegates meeting at Dewan Biduanada Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Rembau here today.
Also present was Rembau Deputy Umno Division chief and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin as well as other party division leaders.
The delegates' conference followed the new norms and complied with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the authorities.
Mohamad who is the Rembau Umno Division chief was commenting on the remarks by Umno Election Director Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman in that Umno will only work with Pas but not with Bersatu in GE15.
The Pasir Salak Member of Parliament said the position taken was in line with the cooperation with Pas since 2018 before signing the Muafakat Nasional consensus in 2019.
He said that through the charter, both parties promised to be involved in a political cooperation, including not to clash in GE-15.
Mohamad said despite the views and stand taken by individuals on the matter, the one which will make the final decision is the party.
He said the problem involving the position of seats in GE15 would need to be seen from a proper perspective.
"We are aware that some Umno division leaders had expressed dissatisfaction and are resentful due to the seat distributions. That view is not an offence.
"This is because eventually the party will make a decision, in fact the annual Umno delegates conference will also be held soon," he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) Deputy Chairman, said the coalition has its own approach in regards to the distribution of seats in GE15.
"In GE15 we want to win and that is why we are scrutinising each and every seat, including in terms of locality involving geopolitics.
"Basically, the BN component parties have agreed on the approach that will be taken in determining the position of seats and candidates in the next GE," he said.
In the meantime, he said Umno should focus on efforts to strengthen and empower the party after being in the losing end of GE14.
"The main direction of the party currently should be focused on efforts to strengthen it in preparation for GE15," he said.