Osman Sapian: Bersatu being bullied by Umno in Perikatan, party leaders not speaking up
“Considering how we are within the same force. If we are siblings, they must surely first defend their own brothers and sisters. But the total opposite is happening”
(MMO) – Datuk Osman Sapian has reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction towards the dynamics within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition and said he had no qualms going against the grain if it meant upholding his political values and party.
In a tell-all interview with Sinar Harian, the former Johor mentri besar accused Umno of bullying Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia by constantly belittling the party and openly condemning its leaders.
“From the central leadership to those in the state [leadership], Umno accused Bersatu of being unworthy to be given seats as they are only riding the coattails of the popularity of others.
“If you look at Umno leaders, even though we are allies, they constantly make comments such as Bersatu are a small party, Bersatu are only clinging on, Bersatu should not be given seats because they have no influence and [party] branches,” he told the paper.
He said such actions by Umno, who is supposed to be Bersatu’s allies in PN, lacked the mutual respect and camaraderie and suggested that Umno was being ungrateful after being offered a lifeline by his party.