KOTA TINGGI: There is no assurance that Umno will enter into any cooperation with other political parties for the 16th General Election (GE16).
Its deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the party is not bound to forming any coalitions or alliances for the next general election.
"We are only committed to agreements to form a unity government to govern the country. At this point, we need a strong and stable government," he said in his speech while launching the Tenggara Umno division delegates' meeting at Dewan Sri Sayong, Felda Sungai Sayong today.
Present at the event was Tenggara Umno division chief Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
Mohamad, however, said that decisions about such matters can only be made closer to GE16, based on Umno's strength and the number of seats it wins.
"Some say we will join PH (Pakatan Harapan).
"Let us see in GE16 if we can win in (Parliament) Pengerang, Kota Tinggi, and Tenggara constituencies. We'll decide accordingly," he said.
He, who is also the Foreign Minister, said Umno needs to better understand the aspiration and wishes of young voters, who now constitute a significant portion of new voters and heavily influence election outcomes.
"Voters at the age of 18 can make uncertain decisions. We cannot oppose voting at 18, as that would be regressive. Most areas have 50 to 60 percent of voters aged 40 and below.
"The party needs to understand their perspectives and engage with young people through programs they like and can relate to," he said.