KOTA TINGGI: Coalition partners in the unity government must respect each other to ensure harmony within the alliance is maintained.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this is because the strength of the unity government comes from the cooperation that has been established between all parties.
"I believe that every party in any coalition government must have respect for the other parties in the alliance," he said.
"This is because we (the coalition parties) are working together to form the government, so there must be mutual respect," he added.
He made these comments during a press conference after the launch and handover ceremony of projects under the Madani - Mindef Village Adoption Programme at Balai Raya Kampung Baru Pasak today
He was asked to comment on rumours suggesting that Umno Supreme Council member Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz would join PKR next year and be offered the position of Selangor Menteri Besar.
Yesterday, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminded the unity government component parties not to poach party members from other parties in the coalition.
Responding to a rumour of Umno Supreme Council member and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz leaving Umno for PKR, Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister said if such a situation happens, it would offend other parties in the government.
Today, Tengku Zafrul said he would issue a statement on the matter.
"I have not made any comments regarding politics involving myself. At the same time, we heard yesterday that the Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, said he would remain until the end of his term.
"All I know is there is a lot of speculation out there. To address this issue, Insya-Allah, I will issue a statement in the near future," he said today.
Meanwhile, Khaled, who is also the Defence Minister, said he was unaware of whether Tengku Zafrul was joining PKR or had submitted any official notification to the party.
"He has not submitted (any matter or letter) to me, so I don't know," he said.