State elections: Anwar vows not to meddle in Umno's candidate selection process

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged not to meddle in Umno's candidate selection process for the upcoming state elections.

Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, also reminded unity government parties to support each other and respect the chosen candidates. 

Those were Anwar's key messages at a retreat organised by the Umno Cadre and Training Committee at Institut Latihan Memperkasa Ummah in Janda Baik last weekend. 

A source, who took part in the retreat, said Anwar had given his assurance that he would not interfere in Umno's selection of candidates for the state elections.

The source said Anwar, who spoke for two hours, gave Umno's top leadership full freedom to use its own formula to select candidates. 

"What is to be highlighted here is that the prime minister has given his word to support whoever Umno fields in the state elections. 

"He wants every party in the unity government to show their commitment by supporting each other. 

"Anwar stressed that he will not interfere, and he will give full autonomy to the (unity government) parties to choose candidates based on the 'Wali' concept, which stands for 'winnable', 'acceptable' and 'likable'. 

"Anwar's attendance at the retreat has rejuvenated Umno and lifted members' spirits as the state polls approaches. 

"At the same time, it shows the close cooperation between parties in the unity government, especially as they face the state elections together for the first time after being long-time political adversaries," the source said today. 

It is learnt that Anwar had attended the retreat without the presence of leaders from other PH parties. 

The retreat saw the participation of the entire Umno leadership, including its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and party division chiefs. 

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, in a Facebook post yesterday, said the retreat was held to foster a strong sense of loyalty among party leaders. 

"This is so that a dynamic and solid team can be formed," he said. 

Wan Rosdy, who is Pahang Umno Liaison Committee chairman, added that this was vital in facing future challenges. 

"Hopefully, the retreat achieved its goal of strengthening Umno's resolve to continue to champion the struggle for religion, nation and country."