KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 16): UMNO president and chief of opposition Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims the party is considering a possible tie-up with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to form a new coalition. 

“We have not made any move but we will continue to strengthen the opposition line. We will only bring forward issues of the Rakyat and we are confident that this issue is not a matter that would cause any anxiety to the people,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the parliament session. 

Zahid was responding to a question by a reporter whether Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent by-election win in Port Dickson would help realise a coalition between UMNO and PKR. 

Last month, UMNO vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin hinted on a possibility of a new coalition, touted as Pakatan Malaysia, which would comprise UMNO, PKR, PAS, MCA, MIC, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Bersatu Sabah.

On Anwar’s by-election win, Zahid congratulated the new MP and hopes he will contribute to the democratic process of the country. 

“On behalf of UMNO and as the opposition leader, I would like to congratulate [Anwar], even though it is a bit too late already. This is our stand on anyone who has won any seat in any of the by-elections. Hopefully, he will contribute in giving the full meaning of democracy in this country,” Zahid said.