Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Umno annual general assembly, the Perlis Umno chief, however, said they would abide by the party’s decision against working with PPBM.

Previously, Shahidan had appeared to defy the party’s stance against cooperating with PPBM, though days later, he pledged loyalty to the party’s leadership.

On whether Perlis Umno would abide by the Supreme Council’s decision against working with PPBM, Shahidan said: “If we do not, action will be taken (against us). Umno will take action against anyone who does not abide by the Supreme Council’s instructions.

“For now, everyone will follow (the instructions) because the decision against working with other parties is an election decision, which is a long time away … two years, one year … why discuss something far off as if it is happening tomorrow?”

He said now was the time for Umno to work together with other parties in the government because it had the most number of representatives in the Cabinet.

Shahidan said Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan’s remarks that the party was no longer dominant in the government should be discussed.

“That is his view, but at the moment, Umno has nine ministers, nearly 20 deputy ministers, more than PPBM, PAS and GPS,” he said.