The Rembau MP said the move would have a big impact on the initiative to frame Umno’s new structure and design following BN’s defeat in the recent general election, as well as on its relationship with existing BN components in the peninsula and Sabah.
He hinted that Umno might need to cooperate with the new Sarawak-based pact formed by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP) which had quit BN today.
“I hope the discussions that will be held (in Umno) will be based on the new political scenario in Malaysia where we are ready to cooperate with our compatriots in Sarawak even if they do not officially return to Barisan Nasional in the future,” he said in a statement.
Earlier, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg, who is PBB president, had said that the four parties had unanimously decided to leave BN and form a pact called Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
He said the decision was made after “much deliberation, reflection and due consideration”, taking into account the country’s political developments after the polls.
He also said the new coalition would allow them to focus on Sarawak’s interests and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
In the election held on May 9, Sarawak BN led by PBB had managed to retain its hold on the state.
Khairy said he accepted Abang Johari’s announcement with an open heart and wished the new pact well, adding that he understood why they had to undertake such an action.
“Although the decision means that Sarawak BN which was built over the last half a century has ended, I understand why our compatriots in Sarawak were forced to make the decision,” he said.
He also urged his colleagues in Umno and BN to not be disheartened by it.
“Today marks the beginning of the new political relationship between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, and it must be built on true understanding and appreciation of MA63 which we should continue to respect for the good of Malaysians, especially in Sarawak and Sabah,” he said.